THE CRISES OF THE CHRIST
SABBATH
SCHOOL
LESSON
Senior Division, No. 295, First Quarter, 1969
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. . . . If God's Word were studied as it should be, men
would have a breadth of mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of
purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps to Christ,
page 90.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my
Sabbath School lesson each day of the week.
Noma
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Provision for the Crisis of Sin
2.
Satan's Attacks
3.
Early Crises in the Life of Christ
4.
Preparation for Service
5.
Jesus Accepts the Call to Service
6.
Tempted to Self-assertion
7.
Resistance to Control
8.
To Make Him King
9.
Looking Forward to the Cross
10.
Ancient Israel's Decisive Hour
11.
Crisis of Crises
12.
"Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"
13.
The Sacrifice Accepted
All quotations from
The New English Bible
are used with permission of the Delegates
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE CRISES OF THE CHRIST
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
A crisis is defined as a "decisive mo-
ment." God foresaw the crisis of man's
fall, and "made provision to meet the
terrible emergency."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 22.
The decision to permit a member of the
Deity to come as the Saviour of mankind
was for Christ the first in a series of
crises. These would not end until evil is
destroyed, root and branch, in the cleansing
flames.
From the time man fell until Christ
was born, the adversary sought in various
ways to destroy the people of God, and
thus to prevent the coming of the prom-
ised Redeemer. When at last Jesus was
born, He faced a succession of decisive
moments of conflict with the cunning
tempter, who was "unwearied in his ef-
forts to overcome the Child of Nazareth,"
and who made His life "one long struggle
against the powers of darkness."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 71. The series of crises
reached their climax in Gethsemane, when
the fate of the world hung in the balance.
But failure in any one of the lesser con-
flicts would have been as decisive for the
future of mankind as a refusal by the
Saviour to drink of the bitter cup.
Today the final hour of crisis looms be-
fore the people of God. Responding to the
appeals of the Holy Spirit, each believer
must make decisions that, in his individual
life, will enlist the infinite power of the
Holy Spirit. By means of this power there
will be created in him a perfect reflection
of the character of the Christ. The same
power that was given to Christ to help
Him in His battles with temptation is
available to us. A study of the victories He
won should aid us in overcoming all
temptation, whether coming from within
or without. Thus will we be prepared to
share in the final victory of the Christ and
of His beloved church.
Lesson 1, for January 4, 1969
Provision for the Crisis of Sin
MEMORY VERSE:
"Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and fore-
knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and
slain." Acts 2:23.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To appreciate more fully God's great love, "from the foundation of
the world," in providing for my salvation at infinite cost.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13.
0
Sunday: Ques. 1-5.
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Ques. 6-8.
0
helps.
Tuesday: Ques. 9, 10; begin
Friday: Review.
reading study helps.
0
[
3]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Sin Foreseen
1.
God declares the end from the
beginning. Isa. 46:10.
2.
God's intimate knowledge of His
children. Ps. 139:16.
II. Slain From the Foundation of
the World
3.
Christ "slain from the foundation
of the world." Rev. 13:8 (last
part).
4.
A willing sacrifice. John 10:17, 18.
5.
The decision to carry out the
plan of redemption. Acts 2:23.
III. Christ Is God
6. In the beginning the Word was
God. John 1:1-3.
7. "The Mighty God," a title for
Christ. Isa. 9:6 (second part).
8. The incarnation made Christ one
of us. Isa. 9:6 (first part).
IV. The Result of Sin
9. Sin separated between God and
man. Isa. 59:2.
10. Man became a slave of Satan.
Rom. 6:16.
V. The Remedy for Sin
11. The Father gave His own Son.
John 3:16.
12. The foreordained plan was
announced to the sinful pair.
Gen. 3:15.
13. Lucifer's doom foretold. Rom.
16:20.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The plan for our redemption was not
an afterthought, a plan formulated after
the fall of Adam. It was a revelation of
`the mystery which bath been kept in
silence through times eternal.' Rom. 16:25,
R.V. It was an unfolding of the principles
that from eternal ages have been the foun-
dation of God's throne. From the begin-
ning, God and Christ knew of the apostasy
of Satan, and of the fall of man through
the deceptive power of the apostate. God
did not ordain that sin should exist, but
He foresaw its existence, and made provi-
sion to meet the terrible emergency. So
great was His love for the world, that He
covenanted to give His only-begotten Son,
`that whosoever believeth in Him should
not perish, but have everlasting life.'
"-
The Desire of Ages,
page 22.
Sin Foreseen
1. Who alone declares the end from
the beginning? Isa. 46:10.
NOTE.
-"God
foreknows because He is
omniscient, that is, He knows all things.
Of Him the Scriptures affirm: 'All things
are naked and opened unto the eyes of
Him with whom we have to do.' (Heb.
4:13) ; 'declaring the end from the begin-
ning' (Isa. 46:10) ; 'known unto God are
all His works from the beginning.' (Acts
15:18). The past, present, and future are
all equally known to
Him."-SDA Bible
Commentary,
on Rom. 8:29.
2.
How definite is God's knowledge
of man? Ps. 139:16.
Slain From the Foundation
of the World
3.
What does John say about the
sacrifice of the Lamb? Rev. 13:8 (last
part). Compare Rom. 16:25.
NOTE.
-"Before
the foundations of the
earth were laid, the Father and the Son
had united in a covenant to redeem man
if he should be overcome by Satan. They
had clasped their hands in a solemn pledge
that Christ should become the surety for
the human race."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 834.
"If he should be overcome by Satan."
Although God foresaw Adam's decision to
rebel, it was Adam who made that deci-
sion. Until the time that he should make
it, the fall and the plan of salvation were
kept secret by the Godhead. "The plan
[ 4 ]
that should be carried out upon the de-
fection of any of the high intelligences of
heaven—this is the secret, the mystery
which has been hid from ages."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1082.
4.
What words of the Saviour show
that His sacrifice for us was freely
made? John 10:17, 18.
5.
How did Peter speak of the de-
cision to permit the Saviour to die
for mankind? Acts 2:23.
NoTE.—This "counsel of peace" (Zech.
6 : 13 ) represented the first of the crises of
the Christ. See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 63.
Christ Is God
6.
What brief words of John de-
scribe the eternal Deity of Christ?
John 1:1-3.
NOTE.—"From the days of eternity the
Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Fa-
ther ; He was 'the image of God,' . . . 'the
outshining of His glory.' It was to manifest
this glory that He came to our world . .
to be 'God with us.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 19.
7.
What remarkable titles does
Isaiah give to Christ? Isa. 9:6 (second
part).
NOTE.—"Christ was God essentially, and
in the highest sense. He was with God
from all eternity, God over all, blessed
forevermore."—Selected
Messages,
Bk. 1,
p. 247.
8.
To whom was this Son born,
this Child given? Isa. 9:6 (first part).
NOTE.—"In taking our nature, the Sav-
iour has bound Himself to humanity by a
tie that is never to be broken. Through the
eternal ages He is linked with us. 'God so
loved the world, that He gave His only-
begotten Son.' John 3:16. He gave Him
not only to bear our sins, and to die as
our sacrifice ; He gave Him to the fallen
race. To assure us of His immutable coun-
sel of peace, God gave His only-begotten
Son to become one of the human family,
forever to retain His human nature."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 25.
The Result of Sin
9.
How does sin affect man's re-
lationship to God? Isa. 59:2.
NOTE.—"Sin not only shuts away from
God, but destroys in the human soul both
the desire and the capacity for knowing
Him. Through sin, the whole human or-
ganism is deranged, the mind is perverted,
the imagination corrupted; the faculties of
the soul are degraded. There is an absence
of pure religion, of heart holiness. The
converting power of God has not wrought
in transforming the character. The soul is
weak, and for want of moral force to
overcome, is polluted and debased."—
Prophets and Kings,
page 233.
10.
Under whose control is fallen
man? Rom. 6:16. Compare Rom. 7:14.
Nora—"But should they once yield to
temptation, their nature would become so
depraved that in themselves they would
have no power, and no disposition, to
resist
Satan."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 53.
The Remedy for Sin
11.
Why did God permit the suf-
fering and death of His Son? John
3:16.
NOTE.—"The plan of salvation had been
laid before the creation of the earth; for
Christ is 'the Lamb slain from the founda-
[ 5 ]
tion of the world' (Rev. 13:8) ; yet it was
a struggle, even with the King of the uni-
verse, to yield up His Son to die for the
guilty race. But 'God so loved the world,
that He gave His only-begotten Son, that
whosoever believeth in Him should not
perish, but have everlasting life.'
"—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 63.
12. What announcement was made
to Adam and Eve when they sinned?
Gen. 3:15.
NOTE.—"As soon as there was sin, there
was a Saviour. Christ knew that He would
have to suffer, yet He became man's sub-
stitute. As soon as Adam sinned, the Son
of God presented Himself as surety for
the human race, with just as much power
to av2rt the doom pronounced upon the
guilty as when He died upon the cross of
Calvary."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 1, p. 1084.
13. What prediction of ultimate
victory did Paul make? Rom. 16:20.
NoTE.—"When Satan heard that enmity
should exist between himself and the
woman, and between his seed and her seed,
he knew that his work of depraving human
nature would be interrupted; that by some
means man would be enabled to resist his
power."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 66.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I spend time each day in quiet
contemplation of the greatness of the sacri-
fice made for me? If not, should I not form
the habit? (See
The Desire of Ages,
page
83.)
2.
Do I respond in gratitude for the in-
finite love that led God to make the
supreme sacrifice?
Lesson 2, for January 11, 1969
Satan's Attacks
MEMORY VERSE:
"He
staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but
was strong in faith, giving glory to God; and being fully persuaded that,
what He had promised, He was able also to perform. And therefore it was
imputed to him for righteousness." Rom. 4:20-22.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 71-79; 241-256; "Prophets and
Kings," pages 293-300; 518-521; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand more fully the marvelous way in which God has
protected and preserved His chosen people.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13; read
further from study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review.
[ 6 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The First Attack
1.
Satan destroyed Abel. Gen. 4:8.
2.
Seth replaced Abel. Gen. 4:25.
II. Satan Appears to Triumph
3.
The human race utterly corrupted.
Gen. 6:5, 7.
4.
Noah and his family preserved.
Gen. 6:18.
III. The Promise Repeated
5.
Abraham called of God.
Gen. 26:4, 5.
6.
The promised child received by
faith. Rom. 4:19-21.
IV. Satan and the Empires
7.
Satan's use of kings and rulers to
attempt to destroy the seed of
Abraham. Jer. 50:17.
8.
Egypt set out to destroy every
male Hebrew child. Ex. 1:22.
9.
The plagues upon Egypt meet the
crisis. Deut. 4:34.
10.
Israel estranged from God.
2 Kings 17:22, 23.
11.
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges
Israel's God. Dan. 3:28, 29;
4:34-37.
12.
Haman thwarted by Esther.
Esther 3:13.
13.
The world prepared for the coming
of the promised Seed.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The Saviour's coming was foretold in
Eden. When Adam and Eve first heard the
promise, they looked for its speedy fulfill-
ment. They joyfully welcomed their first-
born son, hoping that he might be the
Deliverer. But the fulfillment of the prom-
ise tarried. Those who first received it died
without the sight. From the days of Enoch
the promise was repeated through patri-
archs and prophets, keeping alive the hope
of His appearing, and yet He came not.
The prophecy of Daniel revealed the time
of His advent, but not all rightly inter-
preted the message. Century after century
passed away; the voices of the prophets
ceased. The hand of the oppressor was
heavy upon Israel, and many were ready
to exclaim, 'The days are prolonged, and
every vision faileth.' Eze. 12:22.
"But like the stars in the vast circuit of
their appointed path, God's purposes know
no haste and no delay."-The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 31, 32.
Satan incited the nations to oppress and
destroy the seed of Abraham. But God
always preserved a remnant of the Hebrew
race of which Christ was to be born.
The First Attack
1. Which son of Adam was the first
to fall under the power of death?
Gen. 4:8.
NoTE.-Not only was righteous Abel slain
in this crisis, but Cain disqualified himself
for the honor of being the ancestor of the
Christ.
"The murder of Abel was the first ex-
ample of the enmity that God had declared
would exist between the serpent and the
seed of the woman-between Satan and
his subjects and Christ and His follow-
ers."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 77.
"But Cain lived only to harden his heart,
. . . and to become the head of a line of
bold, abandoned sinners."-Ibid., p. 78.
2.
Who was given to replace Abel?
Gen. 4:25.
NOTE.-"Seth, like Cain, inherited the
fallen nature of his parents. But he re-
ceived also the knowledge of the Redeemer
and instruction in righteousness. By divine
grace . . . he labored, as Abel would have
done, had he lived, to turn the minds of
sinful men to revere and obey their
Cre-
ator."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 80.
Satan Appears to Triumph
3.
To what crisis did Satan bring
the antediluvian world? Gen. 6:5, 7.
[7]
NOTE.—"God had given these men knowl-
edge. He had given them valuable ideas,
that they might carry out His plan. But
the Lord saw that those whom He de-
signed should possess wisdom, tact, and
judgment, were using every quality of the
mind to glorify self. . . . When the earth
was repeopled, the Lord trusted His wis-
dom more sparingly to men, giving them
only the ability they would need in carry-
ing out His great plan."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
1, p. 1089.
4.
How was the human race pre-
served at the time of the Flood? Gen.
6:18.
NoTE.—"He [Satan] knows better than
we do the limit of his power and how
easily he can be overcome if we resist and
face
him."—Testimonies,
Vol.
5,
p. 293.
"The enemy dare not go one hairbreadth
beyond his appointed sphere. There is no
power in the whole satanic force that can
disable the soul that trusts, in simple con-
fidence, in the wisdom that comes from
God."—My
Life Today,
page 316.
The Promise Repeated
5.
Why was Abraham called to be
the ancestor of the promised Seed?
Gen. 26:4, 5.
NOTE.—"After the dispersion from Babel
idolatry again became well-nigh universal,
and the Lord finally left the hardened
transgressors to follow their evil ways,
while He chose Abraham, of the line of
Shem, and made him the keeper of His
law for future generations."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 125.
6.
How was the crisis of Abraham's
childlessness resolved? Rom. 4:19-21.
Compare verse 3.
NOTE.—"Faith that enables us to receive
God's gifts is itself a gift, of which some
measure is imparted to every human being.
It grows as exercised in appropriating the
Word of God. In order to strengthen faith,
we must often bring it in contact with the
Word."—Education,
pages 253, 254.
Satan and the Empires
7.
What had the Assyrians and
Babylonians done to Israel? Jer.
50:17.
NoTE.—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-
Persia, Grecia, pagan Rome, and papal
Rome—each in turn had the opportunity
to serve the God who sets up kings. See
Dan. 2:21. Egypt welcomed Jacob and his
family to share the store of wheat during
the famine and could have helped him to
spread the knowledge of the true God to
all the world. Babylon protected the rem-
nant of Judah and proclaimed the superi-
ority of the God of Israel to every nation.
See Dan. 4:1-3. Medo-Persia reestablished
Jerusalem. Yet each in turn chose to be-
come a tool of Satan in his attempt to
exterminate the seed of the woman, and
each in turn was soon overthrown.
8.
How did Egypt turn upon the
sons of Israel and threaten to destroy
the seed of Abraham? Ex. 1:22.
9.
How did God meet the crisis His
people faced in Egypt? Deut. 4:34.
NOTE.—"The Lord would give the Egyp-
tians an opportunity to see how vain was
the wisdom of their mighty men, how fee-
ble the power of their gods, when opposed
to the commands of Jehovah. He would
punish the people of Egypt for their idol-
atry and silence their boastings of the
blessings received from their senseless de-
ities. God would glorify His own name,
that other nations might hear of His power
and tremble at His mighty acts, and that
His people might be led to turn from their
idolatry and render Him pure worship."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 263.
10.
How successful was Satan in
leading Israel astray? 2 Kings 17:
22, 23.
[8]
NOTE.—"About two years later, Samaria
was invested by the hosts of Assyria under
Shalmaneser. . . . The broken remnant of
the ten tribes were carried away captive
and scattered in the provinces of the As-
syrian
realm."—Prophets and Kings,
page
291.
11. By what means was Nebuchad-
nezzar led to acknowledge the true
God? Dan. 3:28, 29; 4:34-37.
NoTE.—The results of the faithfulness of
the three God-fearing young men on the
plain of Dura is stated in these words:
"The three Hebrews declared to the whole
nation of Babylon their faith in Him
whom they worshiped. . . . And in a mar-
velous manner their faith in the living
Word had been honored in the sight of all.
The tidings of their wonderful deliverance
were carried to many countries by the
representatives of the different nations that
had been invited by Nebuchadnezzar to the
dedication. Through the faithfulness of
His children, God was glorified in all the
earth."—Prophets and Kings,
page 512.
With reference to Nebuchadnezzar's sev-
en-year period of insanity, this is stated:
"The once proud monarch had become
a humble child of God; the tyrannical,
overbearing ruler, a wise and compassion-
ate king. . . . Under the rebuke of Him
who is King of kings and Lord of lords,
Nebuchadnezzar had learned at last the
lesson which all rulers need to learn—that
true greatness consists in true goodness. . . .
"God's purpose that the greatest king-
dom in the world should show forth His
praise was now fulfilled."—!bid., p. 521.
12.
Under what circumstances did
Satan use Persia in an attempt to
destroy the seed of Abraham? Esther
3:13.
NOTE.—"Through Haman the Agagite,
. . . Satan worked at this time to counter-
work the purposes of God. . . .
"Misled by the false statements of Ha-
man, Xerxes was induced to issue a decree
providing for the massacre of all the Jews.
. . . Satan himself, the hidden instigator of
the scheme, was trying to rid the earth of
those who preserved the knowledge of the
true
God."—Prophets and Kings,
pages
600, 601.
13.
How did God use Rome to
prepare for the coming of the prom-
ised Seed?
ANSWER.—"Providence had directed the
movements of nations, and the tide of
human impulse and influence, until the
world was ripe for the coming of the De-
liverer. The nations were united under one
government. One language was widely
spoken, and was everywhere recognized
as the language of literature."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 32.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
As a member of the last remnant, am
I keeping myself from the idolatrous wor-
ship of the conveniences and luxuries of
present-day living?
2.
Am I, by daily trust in God in little
things, building a faith that will enable
me to stand in Satan's last attack upon
the seed of the woman?
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
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[ 9 ]
Lesson 3, for January 18, 1969
Early Crises in the Life of Christ
MEMORY VERSE: "Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is
written of Me,) to do Thy will, 0 God." Heb. 10:7.
STUDY HELPS: Selections from "The Desire of Ages," pages 19-74 (chapters 1-7);
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 80-89 ("Other Lessons From Seed Sowing");
"SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM: To gain an understanding and appreciation of the victories of the
youthful Jesus.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-3; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7-9.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 10-12; read
further in study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. His Own Received Him Not
1.
The Word made flesh. John 1:14.
2.
Denied by His own. John 1:10, 11.
3.
Strangers came to worship Him.
Matt 2:1, 2.
II. The First Attempt Upon His Life
4.
The dragon ready to devour the
Child. Rev. 12:4 (last part).
5.
Satan moved Herod to attempt
to destroy Jesus. Matt. 2:16.
6.
Joseph warned to flee into Egypt.
Matt 2:13-15.
III. Resistance to Sin
7.
Christ was tempted as we are.
Heb. 4:15 (second part).
8.
Christ's sinless life confounded
the Jews. John 8:46 (first part).
9.
Christ came to do the will of God.
Heb. 10:5, 7.
IV. Begotten of the Holy Spirit
10.
The Redeemer begotten of the
Holy Spirit. Matt. 1:18, 20;
Luke 1:35.
11.
Jesus' reliance on the Father.
John 5:30; 8:28; 14:10 (last part).
12.
Early life of Christ pleasing to
God and man. Luke 2:52.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"This was the reception the Saviour met
as He came to a fallen world. He left His
heavenly home, His majesty, and riches,
and high command, and took upon Him-
self man's nature, that He might save the
fallen race. Instead of men glorifying God
for the honor He had conferred upon
them in thus sending His Son in the like-
ness of sinful flesh, by giving Him a place
in their affections, there seemed to be no
rest nor safety for the infant Saviour.
Jehovah could not trust to the inhabi-
tants of the world His Son, who came into
the world that through His divine power
He might redeem fallen man. He who
came to bring life to man, met, from the
very ones He came to benefit, insult, ha-
tred, and abuse. God could not trust His
beloved Son with men while carrying on
His benevolent work for their salvation,
and final exaltation to His own throne.
He sent angels to attend His Son and pre-
[ 10 3
serve His life, till His mission on earth
should be accomplished, and He should die
by the hands of the very men He came to
save."—Ellen G. White,
The Review and
Herald,
Dec. 24, 1872.
His Own Received Him Not
1.
How does John describe the first
advent of Christ to the earth? John
1:14.
NOTE.—"Christ did not make-believe
take human nature; He did verily take it.
He did in reality possess human nature.
'As the children are partakers of flesh and
blood, He also Himself likewise took part
of the same.' He was the Son of Mary ;
He was of the seed of David according to
human descent. He is declared to be a
man, even the man Christ Jesus."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Com-
mentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1130.
2.
How was Jesus received by His
own people? John 1:10, 11.
NOTE.—"With amazement the heavenly
messengers beheld the indifference of that
people whom God had called to communi-
cate to the world the light of sacred
truth. . . . Hearts selfish and world-en-
grossed were untouched by the joy that
thrilled all heaven. Only a few were long-
ing to behold the Unseen. To these heaven's
embassy was sent."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 44.
3.
Who recognized the sign of the
birth of the "King of the Jews"?
Matt.
2:1, 2.
NorE.—"The light of God is ever shin-
ing amid the darkness of heathenism. As
these magi studied the starry heavens, . . .
they beheld the glory of the Creator. Seek-
ing clearer knowledge, they turned to the
Hebrew Scriptures. . . . The magi learned
with joy that His coming was near, and
that the whole world was to be filled with
a knowledge of the glory of the Lord."--
The Desire of Ages,
pages 59, 60.
The First Attempt Upon His Life
4.
Who awaited the birth of the
Son of God into the human family
and with what purpose? Rev. 12:4
(last part). Compare verse 9.
NOTE.—"From the time when He ap-
peared as a babe in Bethlehem, the usurper
worked to bring about His destruction. In
every possible way he sought to prevent
Jesus from developing a perfect child-
hood, a faultless manhood, a holy min-
istry, and an unblemished sacrifice. But
he was defeated. He could not lead Jesus
into
sin."—The Desire of Ages,
page 759.
5.
What attempt was made upon
the life of the infant Jesus? Matt.
2:16.
NoTE.—"Herod in Jerusalem impatiently
awaited the return of the wise men. . . .
The unwillingness of the rabbis to point out
the Messiah's birthplace seemed to indicate
that they had penetrated his design, and
that the magi had purposely avoided him.
He was maddened at the thought. . . .
"Soldiers were at once sent to Bethle-
hem, with orders to put to death all the
children of two years and under. . . .
"This calamity the Jews had brought
upon themselves. If they had been walking
in faithfulness and humility before God, He
would in a signal manner have made the
wrath of the king harmless to them. But
they had . . . rejected the Holy Spirit,
which was their only shield."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 65.
6.
How did God meet this crisis?
Matt. 2:13-15.
NoTE.—"In like manner Joseph received
warning to flee into Egypt with Mary and
the Child....
"And through the gifts of the magi from
a heathen country, the Lord supplied the
means for the journey into Egypt and the
sojourn in a land of strangers."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 64, 65.
Resistance to Sin
7.
How fully and in what manner
was Jesus tempted? Heb. 4:15 (second
part).
NOTE.—"Satan was unwearied in his ef-
forts to overcome the Child of Nazareth.
From His earliest years Jesus was guarded
by heavenly angels, yet His life was one
long struggle against the powers of dark-
ness. That there should be upon the earth
one life free from the defilement of evil
was an offense and a perplexity to the
prince of darkness. He left no means un-
tried to ensnare Jesus. No child of hu-
manity will ever be called to live a holy
life amid so fierce a conflict with tempta-
tion as was our Saviour."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 71.
8.
With what challenge did Jesus'
sinless life confront the Jews? John
8:46 (first part).
NOTE.—"In His life on earth, Christ
developed a perfect character, He rendered
perfect obedience to His Father's com-
mandments. . . . Not one stain of sin was
found upon Him. He stood before the
world the spotless Lamb of
God."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
page 25.
"He was born without a taint of sin,
but came into the world in like manner
as the human family."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
7, p. 925.
"He [Christ] was to take His position
at the head of humanity by taking the
nature but not the sinfulness of man."—
Ibid.
"He prayed for His disciples and for
Himself, thus identifying Himself with our
needs, our weaknesses, and our failings,
which are so common with humanity. He
was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the
passions of our human, fallen natures, but
compassed with like infirmities, tempted in
all points even as we
are."—Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 508, 509.
"He is a brother in our infirmities, but
not in possessing like passions."—Ibid., p.
202.
"From the time that He was born an
infant in Bethlehem till He hung on the
cross of Calvary, and cried out in a voice
that shook the universe, 'It is finished,'
the Saviour was pure and spotless."—
Ellen G. White Manuscript 165, 1899,
page 4.
9.
What commitment did the Son
of God make? Heb. 10:5, 7.
NOTE.—"Nearly two thousand years ago,
a voice of mysterious import was heard in
heaven, from the throne of God, . . .
I come' . . . `to do Thy will, 0 God.' Heb.
10:5-7. In these words is announced the
fulfillment of the purpose that had been
hidden from eternal ages."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 23.
Begotten of the Holy Spirit
10.
What aspect of the conception
of Jesus made Him divine as well as
human? Matt. 1:18, 20; Luke
1:35.
NOTE.—"The limited capacity of man
cannot define this wonderful mystery—the
blending of the two natures, the divine and
the human. It, can never be explained.
Man must wonder and be silent. And yet
man is privileged to be a partaker of the
divine nature, and in this way he can to
some degree enter into the mystery."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 904.
11.
How did Jesus express His de-
pendence upon His Father? John 5:
30; 8:28; 14:10 (last part).
NOTE.—"As one with us, a sharer in our
needs and weaknesses, He was wholly de-
pendent upon God, and in the secret place
of prayer He sought divine strength. . .
"As a man He supplicated the throne of
God till His humanity was charged with a
heavenly current that should connect hu-
manity with divinity."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 363.
(12
1
12. What testimony is given con-
cerning Jesus' early development?
Luke 2:52.
NOTE.—"He came as God's ambassador,
to show us how to live so as to secure
life's best results. What were the conditions
chosen by the infinite Father for His Son?
A secluded home in the Galilean hills; a
household sustained by honest, self-respect-
ing labor; a life of simplicity; daily con-
flict with difficulty and hardship; . . the
hour of study at His mother's side, with
the open scroll of Scriptures; . . . the study
of creation and providence; and the soul's
communion with God—these were the con-
ditions and opportunities of the early life
of Jesus."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages
365, 366.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Has a new life been begotten in me
by the Holy Spirit, and do I feed and
strengthen that "new man" by living as
Jesus lived?
2.
Why do I sometimes fail to claim
and use the power to overcome temptation
which is offered me by the Spirit of God?
Lesson 4, for January 25, 1969
Preparation for Service
MEMORY VERSE: "How is it that ye sought Me? wist ye not that I must be about
My Father's business?" Luke 2:49.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 75-92 (chapters 8, 9); "Education,"
pages 73-78; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM: A realization that, under the guiding power of the Holy Spirit, the
helpless Babe in Mary's arms grew to perfect manhood by the same means
that are open to us.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read
Sunday: Ques. 1-3; begin read-
further from study helps.
❑
ing study helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Ques. 4-8.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 9, 10; read
further from study helps.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Studying the Scriptures and Nature
1.
The grace of God upon Jesus
as a youth. Luke 2:40.
2.
Jesus was well acquainted with
the Scriptures. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
3.
The parables reflect a knowledge
of nature. Matt. 13:3-9, 24-30,
31, 32.
II. Recognition of His Mission
4.
Jesus' visit to the temple at the
age of twelve. Luke 2:41, 42.
5.
Jesus asks questions of the
rabbis. Luke 2:46.
[
13]
6.
Jesus' amazing understanding of
the Scriptures. Luke 2:47.
7.
Joseph and Mary seek Jesus.
Luke 2:44, 45.
8.
Jesus revealed His sense of
mission while visiting the temple.
Luke 2:49.
III. The Homelife
9.
Joseph, Mary, and Jesus return to
Nazareth. Luke 2:51 (first part).
10.
Jesus continued obedience to His
earthly parents. Luke 2:51 (last
part).
11.
Jesus' brothers reject His claim.
Mark 3:21 (margin), 31.
12.
The bitterness of misunderstanding
and reproach. Isa. 53:3 (first
part).
THE LESSON
Introduction
"At a very early age, Jesus had begun
to act for Himself in the formation of His
character, and not even respect and love
for His parents could turn Him from
obedience to God's Word. . . . But the
influence of the rabbis made His life a
bitter one. Even in His youth He had to
learn the hard lesson of silence and patient
endurance."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 86.
"Of the bitterness that falls to the lot
of humanity, there was no part which
Christ did not taste. There were those
who tried to cast contempt upon Him be-
cause of His birth, and even in His child-
hood He had to meet their scornful looks
and evil whisperings. If He had responded
by an impatient word or look, if He had
conceded to His brothers by even one
wrong act, He would have failed of being
a perfect example. Thus He would have
failed of carrying out the plan for our
redemption. Had He even admitted that
there could be an excuse for sin, Satan
would have triumphed, and the world
would have been
lost."—Ibid.,
p. 88.
"To every sufferer He brought relief,
His kind words having a soothing balm.
None could say that He had worked a
miracle; but virtue—the healing power
of love—went out from Him to the sick
and distressed. Thus in an unobtrusive way
He worked for the people from His very
childhood."—Ibid., p. 92.
Studying the Scriptures
and Nature
1. How does Luke describe the de-
velopment of the Child Jesus? Luke
2:40.
2.
How did Jesus' replies to the
tempter reflect His familiarity with
the Scriptures? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
NOTE.—"The Child Jesus did not receive
instruction in the synagogue schools. His
mother was His first human teacher. From
her lips and from the scrolls of the proph-
ets, He learned of heavenly things. . . .
"Since He gained knowledge as we may
do, His intimate acquaintance with the
Scriptures shows how diligently His early
years were given to the study of God's
Word."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 70.
3.
Name several parables that in-
dicate Jesus' familiarity with nature.
Matt. 13:3-9, 24-30, 31, 32.
NOTE.—"He studied the life of plants
and animals, and the life of man. . . . Con-
tinually He was seeking to draw from
things seen illustrations by which to pre-
sent the living oracles of God. The para-
bles . . . show how open His spirit was to
the influences of nature, and how He had
gathered the spiritual teaching from the
surroundings of His daily life."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 70.
Recognition of His Mission
4.
Where did Jesus go at the age
of twelve? Luke 2:41, 42.
5.
While in Jerusalem, what did
Jesus do? Luke 2:46.
[ 14 ]
NOTE.—"For the first time the Child
Jesus looked upon the temple. . . . He be-
held the bleeding victim upon the altar of
sacrifice. . . . He witnessed the impressive
rites of the paschal service. Day by day
He saw their meaning more clearly. Every
act seemed to be bound up with His own
life. New impulses were awakening within
Him. Silent and absorbed, He seemed to
be studying out a great problem. The
mystery of His mission was opening to the
Saviour."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 78.
6.
How did Jesus' penetrating ques-
tions affect the learned rabbis? Luke
2:47.
NOTE.—"The rabbis spoke of the won-
derful elevation which the Messiah's com-
ing would bring to the Jewish nation; but
Jesus presented the prophecy of Isaiah, and
asked them the meaning of those Scrip-
tures that point to the suffering and death
of the Lamb of God. . . .
"If followed, the lines of truth He
pointed out would have worked a reforma-
tion in the religion of the
day."—The De-
sire of Ages,
pages 78, 79.
"In their pride they would have scorned
to admit that they could receive instruc-
tion from anyone. If Jesus had appeared to
be trying to teach them, they would have
disdained to listen.. .
"They would not admit that they had
misapprehended the Scriptures they claimed
to teach. . . . The light was shining in
darkness; but 'the darkness apprehended
it not.'
"—Ibid.,
p. 80.
7.
What were Joseph and Mary do-
ing while Jesus talked with the rab-
bis? Luke 2:44, 45.
NOTE.—"They searched for Him through-
out their company, but in vain. Shudder-
ing they remembered how Herod had tried
to destroy Him in His infancy. Dark fore-
bodings filled their hearts. They bitterly
reproached themselves."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 80.
8.
In what words did Jesus reveal
that He understood His mission?
Luke 2:49.
NOTE.—"In the answer to His mother,
Jesus showed for the first time that He
understood His relation to God. Before
His birth the angel had said to Mary, 'He
shall be great, and shall be called the Son
of the Highest: and the Lord God shall
give unto Him the throne of His father
David: and He shall reign over the house
of Jacob forever.' Luke 1:32, 33. These
words Mary had pondered in her heart;
yet while she believed that her child was to
be Israel's Messiah, she did not compre-
hend His mission. Now she did not under-
stand His words; but she knew that He
had disclaimed kinship to Joseph, and had
declared His Sonship to
God."—The Desire
of Ages,
pages 81, 82.
The Homelife
9.
After the incident at the temple
where did Jesus go? Luke 2:51 (first
part).
NOTE.—"As Joseph and Mary should re-
turn from Jerusalem alone with Jesus, He
hoped to direct their minds to the proph-
ecies of the suffering Saviour. Upon Cal-
vary He sought to lighten His mother's
grief. He was thinking of her now. Mary
was to witness His last agony, and Jesus
desired her to understand His mission, that
she might be strengthened to endure, when
the sword should pierce through her soul."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 82.
10.
What was Jesus' attitude toward
His parents upon returning to Naza-
reth? Luke 2:51 (last part).
NoTa.—"He hid in His own heart the
mystery of His mission, waiting submis-
sively for the appointed time. . . . For
eighteen years after He had recognized
that He was the Son of God, He acknowl-
edged the tie that bound Him to the home
at Nazareth."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 82.
11.
What attitude did Jesus' family
take toward Him and His mission?
Mark 3:21 (margin), 31.
[
15]
NOTE.—"When His relatives learned of
it, they came out to check Him, for they
said, 'He is deranged !'" "His mother and
His brothers came and, standing outside,
they sent word to call Him. A crowd was
sitting around Him when they told Him,
`Your mother and your brothers and sis-
ters are outside asking for You.' He an-
swered them, Who are My mother and My
brothers? Looking at those sitting around
Him in a circle, He said, See! My mother
and My brothers! Whoever does the will
of God, that one is My brother and sister
and mother." Mark 3:21, 31-35, Berkeley.
(Used by permission.) A footnote to verse
35 comments, "Relationship with Him sur-
passes family ties."
"The sons of Joseph were far from being
in sympathy with Jesus in His work. The
reports that reached them in regard to His
life and labors filled them with astonish-
ment and dismay. . . .
"They knew what a tumult His words
and works created, and were not only
alarmed at His bold statements, but indig-
nant at His denunciation of the scribes
and Pharisees. They decided that He must
be persuaded or constrained to cease this
manner of labor, and they induced Mary
to unite with them, thinking that through
His love for her they might prevail upon
Him to be more prudent."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 321.
12. What had Isaiah predicted con-
cerning the attitude of men toward
the Messiah? Isa. 53:3 (first part).
NOTE.—"Jesus did not contend for His
rights. Often His work was made unneces-
sarily severe because He was willing and
uncomplaining. Yet He did not fail nor
become discouraged. He lived above these
difficulties, as if in the light of God's
countenance. He did not retaliate when
roughly used, but bore insult patiently."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 89. (See also the
Introduction to the lesson.)
"Harmless and undefiled, He walked
among the thoughtless, the rude, the un-
courteous ; amid the unjust publicans, the
reckless prodigals, the unrighteous Samari-
tans, the heathen soldiers, the rough peas-
ants, and the mixed multitude. He spoke
a word of sympathy here and a word there,
as He saw men weary, yet compelled to
bear heavy burdens."—Ibid., p. 90.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Would the Boy Jesus have been happy
in my home?
2.
Does pride of opinion blind me to
unfolding truth?
3.
Do I, reborn in the image of Christ,
go about doing good?
Lesson 5, for February 1, 1969
Jesus Accepts the Call to Service
MEMORY VERSE: "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the
world." John 1:29.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 97-113 (chapters 10, 11); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM: To discover how the Father rewards and encourages faith.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 10-12.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Ques. 5-7.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8, 9; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
[ 16 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Call
1.
The promised forerunner of the
Messiah. Matt. 3:3; Mark 1:2.
2.
All Judea stirred by John.
Matt. 3:5.
3.
The Jewish leaders challenged
John's authority. John 1:19-25.
4.
"There standeth One among you."
John 1:26, 27.
II. The Baptism
5.
Jesus' request for baptism.
Matt. 3:13.
6.
John shrinks from baptizing Jesus.
Matt. 3:14.
7. Baptism required to "fulfill all
righteousness." Matt. 3:15.
III. The Anointing
8. Jesus' prayer for power and
recognition. Luke 3:21 (first part).
9. The anointing by the Spirit of
God. Luke 3:21 (last part), 22
(first part).
IV. The Acknowledgment
10. The Father acknowledges the Son.
Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22 (second
part).
11. John is convinced that Jesus is
the Saviour. John 1:32-34.
12. John proclaims Jesus as the
Lamb of God. John 1:29.
THE LESSON
Introduction
For eighteen years after Jesus had
learned from the prophetic Scriptures and
the temple services that He was the Son
of God, He continued to live as the Son
of Mary. The news of the work of the
Baptist came to Jesus as a call to service.
Would He accept the call? Could He face
the skepticism and scorn foretold for the
Messiah?
Believing in the Scriptures, and in the
signs and wonders that had attended His
birth, the Saviour made His way to Jor-
dan. As He stood in the crowds around
John, He heard the ringing cry, "There
standeth One among you whom ye know
not." He stepped forward for baptism.
The need of assurance from the Father
pressed upon Jesus as He left the water.
He prayed for confirmation of His faith
and a sign to encourage those for whom He
must work. The answer came, first in the
descent of the anointing Spirit of God—
He was the Messiah, the Anointed One—
and then in the voice of the Father saying,
"This is My beloved Son."
The Call
1. What prophecies were fulfilled
by John the Baptist? Matt. 3:3; Mark
1:2. Compare Isa. 40:3; Mal. 3:1.
2.
How widespread was the in-
fluence of John's preaching? Matt.
3:5.
NOTE.—"The preaching of John had
taken so deep a hold on the nation as to
demand the attention of the religious au-
thorities. . . . John had not recognized the
authority of the Sanhedrin by seeking their
sanction for his work; and he had reproved
rulers and people, Pharisees and Sadducees
alike. Yet the people followed him eagerly.
The interest in his work seemed to be
continually increasing."—T
he Desire of
Ages,
pages 132, 133.
3.
Hearing of the work of John,
what did the Jewish leaders do? John
1:19-25.
NOTE.—"The Sanhedrin could not well
defer an investigation of John's work.
There were some who recalled the revela-
tion made to Zacharias in the temple, and
the father's prophecy that had pointed to
his child as the Messiah's herald. In the
tumults and changes of thirty years, these
[ 17 ]
things had in a great measure been lost
sight of. They were now called to mind by
the excitement concerning the ministry of
John."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 133.
4.
What was the delegation told
concerning the Messiah? John 1:
26, 27.
The Baptism
5.
For what purpose did Jesus go
to John at the Jordan? Matt. 3:13.
NOTE.—"Tidings of the wilderness
prophet and his wonderful announcement
spread throughout Galilee. The message
reached the peasants in the remotest hill
towns, and the fisher folk by the sea, and
in these simple, earnest hearts found its
truest response. In Nazareth it was told in
the carpenter shop that had been Joseph's,
and One recognized the call. His time had
come. Turning from His daily toil, He
bade farewell to His mother, and followed
in the steps of His countrymen who were
flocking to the Jordan."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 109.
b.
Why did John at first decline
to baptize Jesus? Matt. 3:14.
NoTE.—"When Jesus came to be bap-
tized, John recognized in Him a purity of
character that he had never before per-
ceived in any man. . . . Never had he come
in contact with a human being from whom
there breathed an influence so divine. All
this was in harmony with what had been
revealed to John regarding the Messiah.
Yet he shrank from granting the request of
Jesus. How could he, a sinner, baptize the
Sinless One? And why should He who
needed no repentance submit to a rite that
was a confession of guilt to be washed
away
?"—The Desire of Ages,
page 110.
7. What did Jesus say that led to
John's assent? Matt. 3:15.
NOTE.—"Jesus did not receive baptism
as a confession of guilt on His own ac-
count. He identified Himself with sinners,
taking the steps that we are to take, and
doing the work that we must do. His life
of suffering and patient endurance after
His baptism was also an example to us."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 111.
The Anointing
8.
Leaving the water of baptism,
what did Jesus do? Luke 3:21 (first
part).
NOTE.—"The Saviour's glance seems to
penetrate heaven as He pours out His
soul in prayer. Well He knows how sin has
hardened the hearts of men, and how dif-
ficult it will be for them to discern His
mission, and accept the gift of salvation.
He pleads with the Father for power to
overcome their unbelief, to break the fet-
ters with which Satan has enthralled them,
and in their behalf to conquer the de-
stroyer. He asks for the witness that God
accepts humanity in the person of His
Son."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 111, 112.
9.
What followed Jesus' prayer?
Luke 3:21 (last part), 22 (first part).
Compare Mark 1:10.
NOTE.—"The Father Himself will answer
the petition of His Son. Direct from the
throne issue the beams of His glory. The
heavens are opened, and upon the Saviour's
head descends a dovelike form of purest
light,—fit emblem of Him, the meek and
lowly
One."—The Desire of Ages,
page 112.
The Acknowledgment
10.
What did a voice from heaven
declare? Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22 (sec-
ond part).
NoTE.—"These words of confirmation
were given to inspire faith in those who
witnessed the scene, and to strengthen the
[ 18 ]
Saviour for His mission. Notwithstanding
that the sins of a guilty world were laid
upon Christ, notwithstanding the humilia-
tion of taking upon Himself our fallen na-
ture, the voice from heaven declared Him
to be the Son of the Eternal."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 112.
11.
To the Baptist, of what was the
descent of the Spirit a sign? John 1:
32-34.
NOTE.—"John had been deeply moved as
he saw Jesus bowed as a suppliant, plead-
ing with tears for the approval of the Fa-
ther. As the glory of God encircled Him,
and the voice from heaven was heard,
John recognized the token which God had
promised. He knew that it was the world's
Redeemer whom he had baptized."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 112.
12.
What significant title did John
use as he spoke of Jesus? John 1:29.
NOTE.—"None among the hearers, and
not even the speaker himself, discerned the
import of these words, 'the Lamb of God.'
Upon Mount Moriah, Abraham had heard
the question of his son, 'My father, where
is the lamb for a burnt offering?' The fa-
ther answered, 'My son, God will provide
Himself a lamb for a burnt offering.' Gen.
22:7,
8. And in the ram divinely provided
in the place of Isaac, Abraham saw a sym-
bol of Him who was to die for the sins of
men."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 112.
"God spoke to Jesus as our representa-
tive. With all our sins and weaknesses, we
are not cast aside as worthless. . . . The
glory that rested upon Christ is a pledge
of the love of God for us. It tells us of
the power of prayer,—how the human
voice may reach the ear of God, and our
petitions find acceptance in the courts of
heaven."—Ibid., page 113.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I ready to accept the call to ser-
vice and suffering as Jesus did for me?
2.
The same Bible that tells me that
Jesus was
the
Son of God also tells me
that I am now
a
son of God. Do I really
believe this, and act accordingly?
MEMORY VERSE:
"The
John 14:30.
Lesson 6, for February 8, 1969
Tempted to Self-assertion
prince of this world cometh, and hath
nothing in Me."
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 114-123 (chapter 12); "Testimonies,"
Vol. 3, pp. 371-376; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To learn how to overcome in the crisis of temptation as Jesus over-
came.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read
Sunday: Ques. 1-5.
❑
further from study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 6, 7; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8-10.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
[ 19 ]
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Battleground
1.
The Spirit leads Jesus into the
wilderness. Mark 1:12.
2.
Jesus fasts. Matt. 4:2.
3.
Satan attacks Jesus. Matt. 4:3
(first part).
II. The Issue
4.
Eve's basic sin was desire for
equality with God. Gen. 3:5, 6.
5.
Christ did not seek equality with
God. Phil. 2:6, 7.
III. The Attack
6.
Satan questioned the Sonship
of Jesus. Matt. 4:3 (last part).
7.
The tempter suggests that Jesus
may be the fallen angel.
IV. The Victory
8.
Jesus used the Scriptures to defeat
Satan. Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
9.
We, too, are to use the sword of
the Spirit. Eph. 6:17.
10.
Sin is the result of wrong desires.
1 John 2:15-17.
11.
When we are in submission to
God, we can put Satan to flight.
James 4:7.
12.
Peter's advice relative to victory.
1 Peter 5:8, 9.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Of all the lessons to be learned from
our Lord's first great temptation none is
more important than that bearing upon
the control of the appetites and passions.
In all ages, temptations appealing to the
physical nature have been most effectual
in corrupting and degrading mankind. . . .
"Every imagination of the thoughts of
the heart will be evil continually. Upon
the very verge of that fearful time we are
now living, and to us should come home
the lesson of the Saviour's fast. Only by
the inexpressible anguish which Christ en-
dured can we estimate the evil of unre-
strained indulgence. His example declares
that our only hope of eternal life is through
bringing the appetites and passions into
subjection to the will of God."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 122.
The Battleground
1. Who was directing Jesus when
He went into the wilderness? Mark
1:12.
NOTE.—"When Jesus was led into the
wilderness to be tempted, He was led by
the Spirit of God. He did not invite
temptation. He went to the wilderness to
be alone, to contemplate His mission and
work. By fasting and prayer He was to
brace Himself for the bloodstained path
He must travel. But Satan knew that the
Saviour had gone into the wilderness, and
he thought this the best time to approach
Him."—The Desire of Ages,
page 114.
2.
What did Jesus do in the wilder-
ness, and with what result? Matt. 4:2.
NOTE.—"When Jesus entered the wilder-
ness, He was shut in by the Father's glory.
Absorbed in communioin with God, He was
lifted above human weakness. But the
glory departed, and He was left to battle
with temptation. It was pressing upon Him
every moment. His human nature shrank
from the conflict that awaited Him. For
forty days He fasted and prayed. Weak
and emaciated from hunger, worn and
haggard with mental agony, 'His visage
was so marred more than any man, and
His form more than the sons of men.'
Isa. 52:14. Now was Satan's opportunity.
Now he supposed that he could overcome
Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 118.
3.
While Jesus was in this weak-
ened condition, who came to Him?
Matt. 4:3 (first part).
[ 20 ]
The Issue
4.
What implied desire was ap-
parently the cause of the sin of Eve?
Gen. 3:5, 6.
NOTE.—"Eve had been perfectly happy
by her husband's side in her Eden home;
but, like restless modern Eves, she was
flattered with the hope of entering a higher
sphere than that which God had assigned
her. In attempting to rise above her orig-
inal position, she fell far below
it."—Pa-
triarchs and Prophets,
page 59.
5.
By contrast, what was Christ's
attitude toward equality with God?
Phil. 2:6, 7.
NOTE.—"[He] did not count equality
with God a thing to be grasped, but
emptied Himself, . . . being born in the
likeness of men." Phil. 2:6, 7, RSV.
"And Christ was not to exercise divine
power for His own benefit. He had come
to bear trial as we must do, leaving us
an example of faith and submission."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 119.
The Attack
6.
With what words did the tempter
preface his proposal that Jesus per-
form a miracle? Matt. 4:3 (last part).
Noxg.—"There came to the Saviour, as
if in answer to His prayers, one in the
guise of an angel from heaven. He [Satan]
claimed to have a commission from God to
declare that Christ's fast was at an end.
. . . The Saviour was faint from hunger,
He was craving for food, when Satan came
suddenly upon Him. . . .
"Though he appears as an angel of light,
these first words betray his character. 'If
Thou be the Son of God.' Here is the in-
sinuation of distrust. Should Jesus do what
Satan suggests, it would be an acceptance
of the doubt. The tempter plans to over-
throw Christ by the same means that were
so successful with the human race in the
beginning. . . . So now the tempter seeks
to inspire Christ with his own sentiments.
`If Thou be the Son of God.' The words
rankle with bitterness in his mind. In the
tones of his voice is an expression of utter
incredulity. Would God treat His own Son
thus? . . . 'If Thou be the Son of God,'
show Thy power by relieving Thyself of
this pressing hunger. Command that this
stone be made bread.
"The words from heaven, 'This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased'
(Matt. 3:17), were still sounding in the
ears of Satan. But he was determined to
make Christ disbelieve this testimony. The
word of God was Christ's assurance of
His divine mission. He had come to live
as a man among men, and it was the Word
that declared His connection with heaven.
It was Satan's purpose to cause Him to
doubt that word."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 118, 119.
7.
Who did Satan suggest that Je-
sus was?
ANSWER.—"One of the most powerful of
the angels, he says, has been banished from
heaven. The appearance of Jesus indicates
that He is that fallen angel, forsaken by
God, and deserted by man. A divine being
would be able to sustain his claim by work-
ing a miracle; 'if Thou be the Son of God,
command this stone that it be made bread.'
Such an act of creative power, urges the
tempter, would be conclusive evidence of
divinity. It would bring the controversy
to an
end."—The Desire of Ages,
page 119.
The Victory
8.
By what means did Jesus meet
Satan's attacks? Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
NOTE.
--"Jesus met Satan with the words
of Scripture. 'It is written,' He said. In
every temptation the weapon of His war-
fare was the Word of God. Satan de-
manded of Christ a miracle as a sign of
His divinity. But that which is greater
than all miracles, a firm reliance upon a
`thus saith the Lord,' was a sign that
could not be controverted. So long as
Christ held to this position, the tempter
could gain no advantage."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 120.
9.
What weapon is the Christian
instructed to use in his stand against
the wiles of the devil? Eph. 6:17.
[21]
NoTE.—"Not even by a thought did He
yield to temptation. So it may be with
us. Christ's humanity was united with
divinity ; He was fitted for the conflict by
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And
He
came to make us partakers of the divine
nature."—The Desire of Ages,
page 123.
(Italics supplied.) "The tempter can never
compel us to do evil. He cannot control
minds unless they are yielded to his con-
trol. The will must consent, faith must
let go its hold upon Christ, before Satan
can exercise his power upon us. But every
sinful desire we cherish affords him a foot-
hold."—Ibid.,
p. 125.
10. What should be the Christian's
attitude toward the perverted desires
of this world? 1 John 2:15-17. Com-
pare James 1:14.
NOTE.—"Those who overcome as Christ
overcame will need to constantly guard
themselves against the temptations of Sa-
tan. The appetites and passions should be re-
stricted and under the control of enlightened
conscience, that the intellect may be un-
impaired, the perceptive powers clear, so
that the workings of Satan and his snares
may not be interpreted to be the provi-
dence of God. Many desire the final reward
and victory which are to be given to over-
corners, but are not willing to endure toil,
privation, and denial of self, as did their
Redeemer."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 491.
11.
What must we do if we are to
put Satan to flight? James 4:7.
NOTE.—"Satan had questioned whether
Jesus was the Son of God. In his summary
dismissal he had proof that he could not
gainsay. . . .
"So we may resist temptation, and force
Satan to depart from us.
Jesus gained
the victory through submission and faith
in God, and by the apostle He says to
us, 'Submit yourselves therefore to God.
. . .' We cannot save ourselves from the
tempter's power; he has conquered hu-
manity, and when we try to stand in our
own strength, we shall become a prey to
his devices; but 'the name of the Lord is a
strong tower; the righteous runneth into
it, and is safe.' Prov. 18:10. Satan trembles
and flees before the weakest soul who finds
refuge in that mighty name."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 130, 131. (Italics supplied.)
12.
To what did Peter compare the
devil, and what advice did he give
with regard to meeting the devil's
attacks? 1 Peter 5:8, 9.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I hold fast the promises of God in
Scripture, and does the Spirit bear witness
with my spirit that I am a child of God?
2.
Am I daily subduing every lustful
thought and appetite, so that I may be
victorious in battle with Satan?
Lesson 7, for February 15, 1969
Resistance to Control
MEMORY VERSE:
"Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the
Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve." Matt. 4:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 124-131, 144-153 (chapters 13, 15),
415-418, 449-451; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To learn from Jesus' example to remain fully surrendered to the
will of God, resisting all efforts to turn us aside into paths of self-seeking.
[ 22 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11,
12;
continue
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
reading study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7-10.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Satan Attempts to Control Jesus
1.
Satan puts Christ's relationship
with God to the test. Matt. 4:5-7.
2.
The demand for worship un-
masked Satan. Matt. 4:8, 9.
3.
Satan commanded to depart.
Matt. 4:10.
4.
The defeated tempter awaited a
further opportunity. Luke 4:13.
II. A Lesson for Mary
5.
Mary's hope that Jesus would
display miraculous powers.
John 2:1-3.
6.
Jesus' complete submission to the
will of God. John 2:4.
III. An Unexpected Rebuke
7.
Peter wanted to shield the Master
from suffering and death.
Matt. 16:21, 22.
8.
Rebuked for being an unconscious
tool of Satan. Matt. 16:23 (first
part).
9.
Peter's spiritual perceptions cir-
cumscribed. Matt. 16:23 (last part
) •
10.
All who would follow Christ
must take up a cross. Matt.
16:24-26.
IV. "Mine Hour Is Not Yet Come"
11.
Jesus' brothers did not believe
Him. John 7:3-5.
12.
Christ awaits the hour for the
final crisis. John 2:4; 7:6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Having come to the earth to demon-
strate perfect obedience to the will of the
Father, Jesus could accept no counsel and
permit no guidance that might lead Him
from the appointed path. He rejected all
the attempts of men to control Him,
whether those of His believing mother or
His unbelieving brothers. In all things He
trusted the Father and was content to be
shown step by step what to do and when
to do it.
Satan Attempts to Control Jesus
1. In his second temptation, what
did Satan ask Jesus to do? Matt. 4:
5-7.
NoTE.—Again the underlying issue was
trust in God.
"God had already testified that Jesus
was His Son; and now to ask for proof
that He was the Son of God would be
putting God's word to the test,—tempt-
ing Him. And the same would be true
of asking for that which God had not
promised. It would manifest distrust, and
be really proving, or tempting, Him. We
should not present our petitions to God
to prove whether He will fulfill His word,
but because He will fulfill it; not to prove
that He loves us, but because He loves
"But faith is in no sense allied to pre-
sumption. Only he who has true faith is
secure against presumption. For presump-
tion is Satan's counterfeit of faith."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 126.
[ 23
2.
In the third temptation, what
bargain did Satan offer to Jesus?
Matt. 4:8, 9.
Nom—The demand for worship further
unmasked the tempter. The angel of proph-
ecy rejected attempts by John the revelator
to worship him. Rev. 19:10; 22:8, 9.
3.
How did Jesus finally rid Him-
self of Satan's attempts to control
His actions? Matt. 4:10.
4.
What phrase shows that this was
not the last time Satan sought to
overcome Christ? Luke 4:13.
NOTE.—"So, having come to the end of
all his temptations, the devil departed,
biding his time." Luke 4:13, NEB.
A Lesson for Mary
5.
At the wedding at Cana, what
implied request did Mary make of
Jesus? John 2:1-3.
NorE.—"As Mary had heard the dis-
ciples' testimony in regard to Jesus, she
had been gladdened with the assurance
that her long-cherished hopes were not in
vain. Yet she would have been more than
human if there had not mingled with this
holy joy a trace of the fond mother's nat-
ural pride. As she saw the many glances
bent upon Jesus, she longed to have Him
prove to the company that He was really
the Honored of God. She hoped there
might be opportunity for Him to work
a miracle before them."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 145.
6.
What was Jesus' reply to Mary's
request? John 2:4.
NOTE.—"At His visit to the temple in
His boyhood, as the mystery of His life-
work opened before Him, Christ had said
to Mary, `Wilt ye not that I must be about
My Father's business?' Luke 2:49. These
words struck the keynote of His whole
life and ministry. Everything was held in
abeyance to His work, the great work of
redemption which He had come into the
world to accomplish. Now He repeated
the lesson. . . . As Son of the Most High,
and Saviour of the world,
no earthly ties
must hold Him from His mission,
or in-
fluence His conduct. He must stand free to
do the will of God.
This lesson is also
for us.
The claims of God are paramount
even to the ties of human relationship. No
earthly attraction should turn our feet
from the path in which He bids us walk."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 146, 147. (Ital-
ics supplied.)
An Unexpected Rebuke
7.
How did Peter attempt to in-
fluence the Saviour's mission? Matt.
16:21, 22.
NOTE.—"At this Peter took Him by the
arm and began to rebuke Him: 'Heaven
forbid!' he said." (NEB.)
"Speechless with grief and amazement,
the disciples listened. Christ has accepted
Peter's acknowledgment of Him as the Son
of God; and now His words pointing to
His suffering and death seemed incompre-
hensible. Peter could not keep silent. He
laid hold upon his Master, as if to draw
Him back from His impending doom, ex-
claiming, 'Be it far from Thee, Lord: this
shall not be unto Thee.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 415.
8.
How did Jesus rebuke Peter?
Matt. 16:23 (first part).
Nom.—"When Christ revealed to Peter
the time of trial and suffering that was
just before Him, and Peter replied, 'Be it
far from Thee, Lord: this shall not be
unto Thee,' the Saviour commanded, 'Get
thee behind Me, Satan.' Satan was speak-
ing through Peter, making him act the
[ 24 ]
part of the tempter. Satan's presence was
unsuspected by Peter, but Christ could
detect the presence of the deceiver, and
in His rebuke to Peter He addressed the
real foe."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1095.
9.
To what defect in Peter's experi-
ence did Jesus point? Matt. 16:23
(last part).
NoTE.—"In the wilderness, Satan had of-
fered Christ the dominion of the world on
condition of forsaking the path of humili-
ation and sacrifice. Now he was presenting
the same temptation to the disciple of
Christ. . . . And through Peter, Satan was
again pressing the ttmptation upon Jesus."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 416.
10.
What lesson must all disciples
of Christ learn? Matt. 16:24-26.
NOTE.—"Love for souls for whom Christ
died means crucifixion of self. . . . The
self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, mani-
fested in the life of Christ are to reappear
in the life of the worker for
God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 417.
"Mine Hour Is Not Yet Come"
11.
How did Jesus' brothers regard
His claims? John 7:3-5.
NOTE.—"The brethren here referred to
were the sons of Joseph, and their words
were spoken in irony. It was very painful
to Christ that His nearest relatives should
so dimly understand His mission, and
should entertain the ideas suggested by
His enemies. But the Saviour did not an-
swer the cruel sarcasm with words of like
character. He pitied the spiritual ignorance
of His brethren, and longed to give them
a clear understanding of His mission."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 5, pp. 1135, 1136.
12.
What reason did Christ give for
not accepting the counsel of His rela-
tives? John 2:4; 7:6.
NOTE.—"He must wait patiently. He
knew that He was to receive the world's
hatred; He knew that His work would
result in His death ; but to prematurely
expose Himself would not be the will of
His Father."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
451.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Do I so reflect the character of Christ
that I, too, may compel Satan to depart
from me? (See
The Desire of Ages,
pages
130, 131.)
2.
Do I, like Peter, give counsel with
the hidden motive of avoiding trouble for
myself ?
3.
In what ways am I tempted to dis-
trust God's love for me?
Lesson 8, for February 22, 1969
To Make Him King
MEMORY VERSE:
"Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal
life." John 6:68.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 364-394 (chapters 39-41); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To learn from the example of the Saviour, who rejected the honor,
wealth, and power of this world in order to follow God's plan for His life.
[ 25 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11, 12; read
Sunday: Ques. 1-3.
❑
further from study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 4, 5; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 6-10.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Feeding the Multitude
1.
Jesus had compassion on the
multitude. Mark 6:34.
2.
"Give ye them to eat." Mark
6:35-44.
3.
The attempt to make Christ king.
John 6:14, 15.
II. The Refusal
4.
Jesus commanded His disciples
to leave by boat. Mark 6:45 (first
part) ; John 6:16, 17.
5.
The influence of Jesus' kingly
bearing. Mark 6:45 (last part).
III. The People Take Offense
6.
Jesus charged the people with
seeking material things.
John 6:26, 27.
7.
A comparison with the forty
years of manna. John 6:31.
8.
Eternal life through eating
Christ's flesh and drinking His
blood. John 6:49-51.
9.
Many followers offended.
John 6:60, 66.
10.
With yearning heart Jesus
watches them go. John 6:67.
11.
"Thou art ... the Son of the
living God." John 6:68, 69.
12.
The Father had revealed truth to
Peter. Matt. 16:16, 17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"When Christ forbade the people to
declare Him king, He knew that a turn-
ing point in His history was reached. Mul-
titudes who desired to exalt Him to the
throne today would turn from Him to-
morrow. The disappointment of their self-
ish ambition would turn their love to
hatred, and their praise to curses. Yet
knowing this, He took no measures to
avert the crisis. From the first He had
held out to His followers no hope of earthly
rewards. . . . If men could have had the
world with Christ, multitudes would have
proffered Him their allegiance; but such
service He could not accept. Of those now
connected with Him there were many who
had been attracted by the hope of a
worldly kingdom. These must be unde-
ceived. The deep spiritual teaching in the
miracle of the loaves had not been corn-
prehended. This was to be made plain.
And this new revelation would bring with
it a closer test."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
383.
Feeding the Multitude
1. How did Jesus look upon the
people who followed Him, and what
did He do for them? Mark 6:34.
NotE.—"From the hillside He looked
upon the moving multitude, and His heart
was stirred with sympathy. Interrupted as
He was, and robbed of His rest, He was
not impatient. . . . Leaving His retreat, He
found a convenient place where He could
minister to them. . . .
"They heard the gracious words, so
simple and so plain that they were as the
[ 26 ]
balm of Gilead to their souls. The healing
of His divine hand brought gladness and
life to the dying, and ease and health to
those suffering with disease. The day
seemed to them like heaven upon earth,
and they were utterly unconscious of how
long it had been since they had eaten any-
thing."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 364,
365.
2.
How did Jesus respond to the
disciples' suggestion that He send the
people away? Mark 6:35-44.
NOTE.—"In Christ's act of supplying the
temporal necessities of a hungry multitude
is wrapped up a deep spiritual lesson for
all His workers. Christ received from the
Father; He imparted to the disciples; they
imparted to the multitude, and the people
to one another. So all who are united to
Christ will receive from Him the bread of
life, the heavenly food, and impart it to
others."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 369.
3.
How did the people react when
they saw the miraculous supply of
food? John 6:14, 15.
NOTE.—"In their enthusiasm the people
are ready at once to crown Him king.
They see that He makes no effort to at-
tract attention or secure honor to Him-
self. In this He is essentially different from
the priests and rulers, and they fear that
He will never urge His claim to David's
throne. Consulting together, they agree to
take Him by force, and proclaim Him the
king of Israel. The disciples unite with the
multitude in declaring the throne of Da-
vid the rightful inheritance of their Mas-
ter."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 378.
The Refusal
4.
How did Jesus prevent His dis-
ciples from joining in the attempt of
the people to make Him king? Mark
6:45 (first part); John 6:16, 17.
NOTE.—"Without delay the movement
must be checked. Calling His disciples,
Jesus bids them take the boat and return
at once to Capernaum, leaving Him to dis-
miss the people. . . .
"They protested against the arrange-
ment; but Jesus now spoke with an au-
thority He had never before assumed
toward them. They knew that further op-
position on their part would be useless,
and in silence they turned toward the
sea."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 378.
5.
What did Jesus do with the
multitude? Mark 6:45 (last part).
NOTE.—"Jesus now commands the mul-
titude to disperse; and His manner is so
decisive that they dare not disobey. . . .
In that throng are men of strong mind and
firm determination; but the kingly bearing
of Jesus, and His few quiet words of com-
mand, quell the tumult, and frustrate their
designs. They recognize in Him a power
above all earthly authority, and without
a question they submit."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 378, 379.
The People Take Offense
6.
How did Jesus greet the multi-
tudes when they met again? John 6:
26, 27.
NOTE.—"For the moment the interest of
the hearers was awakened. They exclaimed,
`What shall we do, that we might work
the works of God?' They had been per-
forming many and burdensome works in
order to recommend themselves to God;
and they were ready to hear of any
new observance by which they could se-
cure greater merit. Their question meant,
What shall we do that we may deserve
heaven? . . .
" 'Jesus answered and said unto them,
This is the work of. God, that ye believe
on Him whom He bath sent.' The price
of heaven is Jesus."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 385.
7.
What miracle of Moses' time did
the people call to the attention of
Jesus? John 6:31.
[27
7
NOTE.—"Christ had indeed once fed the
multitude with barley loaves; but in the
days of Moses, Israel had been fed with
manna forty years, and far greater bless-
ings were expected from the Messiah."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 385.
8.
In what words did Jesus claim
superiority over Moses? John 6:
49-51.
NOTE.—"The people had referred Christ
to the manna which their fathers ate in
the wilderness, as if the furnishing of that
food was a greater miracle than Jesus had
performed; but He shows how meager was
that gift when compared with the blessings
He had come to bestow. The manna could
sustain only this earthly existence ; it did
not prevent the approach of death, nor in-
sure immortality; but the bread of heaven
would nourish the soul unto everlasting
life."—The Desire of Ages,
page 388.
9.
How did many of the followers
of Christ react to His claims? John
6:60, 66.
NoTE.—"The test was too great. The
enthusiasm of those who had sought to
take Him by force and make Him king
grew cold. This discourse in the synagogue,
they declared, had opened their eyes. Now
they were undeceived. In their minds His
words were a direct confession that He
was not the Messiah, and that no earthly
rewards were to be realized from con-
nection with Him. They had welcomed
His miracle-working power; they were
eager to be freed from disease and suffer-
ing; but they would not come into sym-
pathy with His self-sacrificing life. They
cared not for the mysterious spiritual king-
dom of which He spoke. The insincere, the
selfish, who had sought Him, no longer
desired Him. If He would not devote His
power and influence to obtaining their
freedom from the Romans, they would
have nothing to do with
Him."—The De-
sire of Ages,
page 391.
10.
What question did Jesus direct
to the Twelve? John 6:67.
NoTE.—"With a yearning heart, Jesus
saw those who had been His disciples
departing from Him, the Life and the
Light of men. The consciousness that His
compassion was unappreciated, His love
unrequited, His mercy slighted, His sal-
vation rejected, filled Him with sorrow
that was inexpressible. It was such de-
velopments as these that made Him a man
of sorrows, and acquainted with grief."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 393.
11.
What answer did Peter give?
John 6:68, 69.
12.
What had the Father revealed
to Peter? Matt. 16:16, 17.
Nom.—"The truth which Peter had con-
fessed is the foundation of the believer's
faith. It is that which Christ Himself has
declared to be eternal life. But the pos-
session of this knowledge was no ground
for self-glorification. Through no wisdom
or goodness of his own had it been revealed
to Peter....
"The word Peter signifies a stone,—a
rolling stone. Peter was not the rock upon
which the church was founded. The gates
of hell did prevail against him when he
denied his Lord with cursing and swear-
ing. The church was built upon One against
whom the gates of hell could not prevail."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 412, 413.
"When Jesus presented the testing truth
that caused so many of His disciples to
turn back, He knew what would be the
result of His words; but He had a pur-
pose of mercy to fulfill. He foresaw that
in the hour of temptation every one of
His beloved disciples would be severely
tested. . . . Had no previous test been
given, many who were actuated by merely
selfish motives would have been connected
with them. . . . When their worldly am-
bitions were disappointed, these self-seek-
ing ones would, by renouncing their al-
legiance to Jesus, have brought upon the
disciples a bitter, heart-burdening sorrow,
in addition to their grief and disappoint-
(28
1
ment in the ruin of their fondest hopes. In
that hour of darkness, the example of
those who turned from Him might have
carried others with them.
But
Jesus
brought about this crisis while by His
personal presence He could still strengthen
the faith of His true followers.
"Compassionate Redeemer, who in the
full knowledge of the doom that awaited
Him, tenderly smoothed the way for the
disciples, prepared them for their crown-
ing trial, and strengthened them for the
final test
!"-Ibid.,
p. 394.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I serving the Lord for what I
can get, or because I love Him?
2.
Am I willing to accept God's plans
for me without complaint?
3.
Do I recognize that the Saviour is
trying to smooth my path and prepare me
for trials to come?
Lesson 9, for March 1, 1969
Looking Forward to the Cross
MEMORY VERSE:
"Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief." Mark 9:24.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 410-431 (chapters 45-47); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To appreciate anew Christ's great struggle as He contemplated His
approaching moment of agony and cruel death-all for me.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
reading study helps.
0
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading study
Monday: Ques. 5-8.
❑
helps.
Tuesday: Ques. 9-11.
❑
Friday: Review.
Wednesday: Ques. 12, 13; begin
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Into a Mountain to Pray
1.
"Thou art the Christ." Matt. 16:16.
2.
"Blessed art thou, Simon."
Matt. 16:17.
3.
He must suffer and be killed.
Matt. 16:21.
4.
Jesus retires to a mountain to
pray. Luke 9:28.
II. Transfigured Before Them
5. He was glorified before them.
Matt. 17:2; Luke 9:29.
6.
Moses a type of the resurrected
saints. Jude 9.
7.
Elijah a type of those who will
be translated. 2 Kings 2:11.
8.
Moses and Elijah discuss Jesus'
mission. Luke 9:31.
III. A Partial Blessing
9.
Sleeping, the disciples loSe
part of the blessing. Luke 9:32.
10.
Peter's inappropriate proposal.
Luke 9:33.
11.
The Father speaks. Luke 9:34, 35.
12.
The predicament of the other
disciples. Mark 9:14-18.
13.
Jesus' rebuke for unbelief.
Mark 9:19.
1
29
]
THE LESSON
Introduction
The transfiguration marks a crisis in the
life of Christ. He has demonstrated that
humanity united with divinity can resist
sin. This part of the work is complete,
and the glory attests it. But there is more
to do. He must press on to the cross.
From all the inhabitants of heaven,
Moses and Elijah were chosen to speak
with the Saviour concerning His death.
Their own redemption depended on His
sacrifice. They encourage Him with the
assurance of the sympathy of Heaven. But
the trembling lips of Peter, blurting out his
ill-considered suggestion, show that he and
his fellows still cannot accept the thought
that the present glorious experience is but
the prelude to suffering and death. Yet
their words and acts reveal their need of
such an atonement as the death of Christ
would work for them.
Into a Mountain to Pray
1.
What dramatic declaration had
Peter made shortly before the trans-
figuration? Matt. 16:16.
NOTE.—"From the first, Peter had be-
lieved Jesus to be the Messiah. . . . Many
of the disciples who had ardently expected
Jesus to take His place on David's throne
left Him when they perceived that He had
no such intention. But Peter and his com-
panions turned not from their allegiance.
The vacillating course of those who praised
yesterday and condemned today did not
destroy the faith of the true follower of the
Saviour. . . . He waited not for kingly
honors to crown his Lord, but accepted
Him in His humiliation."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 411, 412.
2.
How did Jesus commend Peter
for his inspired declaration? Matt.
16:17.
3.
About this time what did Jesus
begin to do? Matt. 16:21.
NOTE.—"Hitherto He had refrained from
making known to them anything relative
to His sufferings and death. . . . But now
they have been with Jesus, listening to His
words, beholding His works, until, not-
withstanding the humility of His sur-
roundings, and the opposition of priests
and people, they can join in the testimony
of Peter. . . . Now the time has come for
the veil that hides the future to be with-
drawn... .
"Speechless with grief and amazement,
the disciples listened."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 415.
4.
For what purpose did Jesus as-
cend a mountain with three of his
disciples? Luke 9:28.
Nora.—"The disciples do not venture to
ask Christ whither He is going, or for
what purpose. He has often spent entire
nights in the mountains in prayer. He
whose hand formed mountain and valley is
at home with nature, and enjoys its quie-
tude. The disciples follow where Christ
leads the way; yet they wonder why their
Master should lead them up this toilsome
ascent when they are weary, and when He
too is in need of rest. . . .
"Stepping a little aside from them, the
Man of Sorrows pours out His supplica-
tions with strong crying and tears. He
prays for strength to endure the test in
behalf of humanity. He must Himself gain
a fresh hold on Omnipotence, for only
thus can He contemplate the future. And
He pours out His heart longings for His
disciples, that in the hour of the power of
darkness their faith may not fail. . . .
Now the burden of His prayer is that
they may be given a manifestation of the
glory He had with the Father before the
world was, that His kingdom may be re-
vealed to human eyes, and that His dis-
ciples may be strengthened to behold it.
He pleads that they may witness a mani-
festation of His divinity that will comfort
them in the hour of His supreme agony
with the knowledge that He is of a surety
the Son of God and that His shameful
death is a part of the plan of redemption."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 419-421.
[30
1
Transfigured Before Them
5.
How was the appearance of Je-
sus transformed? Matt. 17:2; Luke
9:29.
NOTE.—"His prayer is heard. While He
is bowed in lowliness upon the stony
ground, suddenly the heavens open, the
golden gates of the City of God are thrown
wide, and holy radiance descends upon the
mount, enshrouding the Saviour's form.
Divinity from within flashes through hu-
manity, and meets the glory coming from
above. Arising from His prostrate position,
Christ stands in Godlike majesty. The soul
agony is gone. His countenance now shines
'as the sun,' and His garments are 'white
as the light.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page
421.
6.
Under what circumstances had
Moses been raised to life? Jude 9.
NOTE.—"Moses passed under the domin-
ion of death, but he was not to remain in
the tomb. Christ Himself called him forth
to life. Satan the tempter had claimed the
body of Moses because of his sin; but
Christ the Saviour brought him forth from
the grave. Jude 9. Moses upon the mount
of transfiguration was a witness to Christ's
victory over sin and death. He represented
those who shall come forth from the
grave at the resurrection of the just."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 421, 422.
7.
What glorious experience had
come to Elijah? 2 Kings 2:11.
NorE.—"Elijah, who had been translated
to heaven without seeing death, repre-
sented those who will be living upon the
earth at Christ's second coming, and who
will be 'changed in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, at the last trump;'
when 'this mortal must put on immortal-
ity,' and 'this corruptible must put on
incorruption.' 1 Cor. 15:51-53. . . . The
Saviour's promise to the disciples was now
fulfilled. Upon the mount the future king-
dom of glory was represented in miniature,
—Christ the King, Moses a representative
of the risen saints, and Elijah of the trans-
lated ones."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 422.
8.
Of what did Moses and Elijah
speak? Luke 9:31.
NoTe.—"Moses and Elijah had been co-
laborers with Christ. They had shared His
longing for the salvation of men. . .
These men, chosen above every angel
around the throne, had come to commune
with Jesus concerning the scenes of His
suffering, and to comfort Him with the
assurance of the sympathy of heaven. The
hope of the world, the salvation of every
human being, was the burden of their in-
terview."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 422-
425.
A Partial Blessing
9.
What had Peter, James, and
John been doing? Luke 9:32.
NoTe.—"Through being overcome with
sleep, the disciples heard little of what
passed between Christ and the heavenly
messengers. Failing to watch and pray, they
had not received that which God desired
to give them,—a knowledge of the suffer-
ings of Christ, and the glory that should
follow. They lost the blessing that might
have been theirs through sharing His self-
sacrifice. . . .
"Yet they received great light. They
were assured that all heaven knew of the
sin of the Jewish nation in rejecting Christ.
They were given a clearer insight into the
work of the Redeemer. . . . They were
`eyewitnesses of His majesty' (2 Peter 1:
16), and they realized that Jesus was in-
deed the Messiah, . . . and that He was
recognized as such by the heavenly uni-
verse."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 425.
10.
As the glory faded, what sug-
gestion did the half-awake Peter
make? Luke 9:33.
1
31
7
Nom—Shortly before this experience Je-
sus had declared that some of His disciples
"shall not taste of death, till they see the
Son of man coming in His kingdom."
Matthew 16:28. The immediate but mis-
taken reaction of the disciples to Christ's
transfiguration is described in these words:
"They believe that Elijah has come to
announce the Messiah's reign, and that the
kingdom of Christ is about to be set up
on the earth. The memory of their fear
and disappointment they would banish
forever. Here, where the glory of God is
revealed, they long to tarry. Peter exclaims,
`Master, it is good for us to be here: and
let us make three tabernacles; one for
Thee, and one for Moses, and one of Elias."
The disciples are confident that Moses and
Elijah have been sent to protect their Mas-
ter, and to establish His authority as
king."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 422.
11. What did the Father proclaim,
and what were the disciples to do?
Luke 9:34, 35.
NoTE.—"While they were still gazing on
the scene upon the mount, 'a bright cloud
overshadowed them: and behold a voice
out of the cloud, which said, This is My
beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased;
hear ye Him.' As they beheld the cloud of
glory ; . . . as they heard the voice of
God, . . . the disciples fell smitten to the
earth."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 425.
12.
Upon returning from the moun-
tain, in what predicament did Jesus
find the other disciples? Mark 9:
14-18.
13.
How did Jesus describe His
contemporaries? Mark 9:19.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I so preoccupied with my own
plans that I fail to recognize the Saviour's
plans for me?
2.
Peter feared the trouble ahead. James
and John thought the cup so common-
place that they could drink it if the Mas-
ter could. Have I learned to accept the
intensity of the struggle ahead with such
trust in the wisdom and power of God that
I neither recoil with Peter nor boast with
"the sons of thunder"?
3.
Am I losing blessings because apathy
hinders my prayerful communion with
Christ?
Lesson 10, for March 8, 1969
Ancient Israel's Decisive Hour
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an
ass, and a colt the foal of an ass." Matt. 21:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 569-579; 589-600; 716-722 (chapters
63, 65, 76); "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To appreciate better the amazing love of Jesus, even for His enemies.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1-6.
❑
Monday: Ques. 7-9.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 10-12; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 13, 14; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
❑
Friday: Review.
El
[ 32
3
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. "Hosanna to the Son of David"
1.
The triumphal entry fulfilled
prophecy. Matt. 21:4, 5.
2.
Again the people would have
made Jesus king. Luke 19:37, 38.
3.
His enemies determined to
destroy Him. Luke 19:47.
II. "The House of Prayer"
4.
Jesus again cleanses the temple.
Matt. 21:12, 13.
5.
Jesus heals the people. Matt. 21:14.
6.
They would silence the children.
Matt. 21:15, 16.
III. "Those Wicked Men"
7. Christ depicts His foes as the
wicked husbandmen. Matt.
21:33-39.
8. They pronounce their own
sentence. Matt. 21:40, 41;
Luke 20:16.
9. The Saviour counsels them to
fall on the Stone. Luke 20:17, 18.
IV. Plain Speaking
10. Christ warns against the example
of the Pharisees. Matt. 23:1-4.
11. Eight woes upon the scribes and
Pharisees. Matt. 23:13-29.
12. The Saviour spoke in sorrow, not
anger. Matt. 23:37.
V. The Betrayer
13. Judas is gently rebuked. John
12:4-8.
14. Judas offers to betray his Master.
Luke 22:3-6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
In the months that followed the comfort
and encouragement of the night on the
mount of transfiguration, the Saviour was
led by the Spirit to avoid the final con-
frontation with the Jewish leaders which
would bring about His death and seal the
doom of Israel. His brief visit to Bethany
to raise Lazarus convinced many of His
opponents that He was the promised Sav-
iour, but they refused to heed the convict-
ing power of the Holy Spirit and hardened
their hearts against truth.
When the approaching Passover brought
the time for His sacrifice near, Jesus made
public claim to being the Messiah and re-
vealed the true character of the leaders
of the nation.
"Hosanna to the Son of David"
1. In fulfillment of what prophecy
did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? Matt.
21:4, 5. Compare Zech. 9:9.
Nora.-"Christ was following the Jewish
custom for a royal entry. The animal on
which He rode was that ridden by the
kings of Israel, and prophecy had foretold
that thus the Messiah should come to His
kingdom."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 570.
2. How did the people respond?
Luke 19:37, 38.
NotE.-"No sooner was He seated upon
the colt than a loud shout of triumph rent
the air. The multitude hailed Him as Mes-
siah, their King. Jesus now accepted the
homage which He had never before per-
mitted, and the disciples received this as
proof that their glad hopes were to be
realized by seeing Him established upon
the throne. . . . They were unable to pre-
sent Him with costly gifts, but they spread
their outer garments as a carpet in His
path. . . . They could lead the triumphal
procession with no royal standards, but
they cut down the spreading palm boughs,
Nature's emblem of victory, and waved
them aloft with loud acclamations and
hosannas."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 570.
[ 33 ]
3.
How did the Jews react to the
triumphal entry? Luke 19:47.
NOTE.—"Never before in His earthly life
had Jesus permitted such a demonstration.
He clearly foresaw the result. It would
bring Him to the cross. But it was His
purpose thus publicly to present Himself
as the Redeemer. He desired to call at-
tention to the sacrifice that was to crown
His mission to a fallen world."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 571.
"The House of Prayer"
4.
Following His triumphal entry,
what previous action did Jesus re-
peat? Matt. 21:12, 13.
Norz.—"In place of humble repentance
of sin, they had multiplied the sacrifice
of beasts, as if God could be honored by a
heartless service. . . .
"In fulfillment of prophecy the people
had proclaimed Jesus king of Israel. He
had received their homage, and accepted
the office of king. In this character He
must act. He knew that His efforts to
reform a corrupt priesthood would be in
vain; nevertheless His work must be done;
to an unbelieving people the evidence of
His divine mission must be given."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 590.
5.
Having cleansed the temple,
what did Jesus do? Matt. 21:14.
NOTE.—"After a season the priests and
rulers ventured back to the temple. When
the panic had abated, they were seized
with anxiety to know what would be the
next movement of Jesus. They expected
Him to take the throne of David. Quietly
returning to the temple, they heard the
voices of men, women, and children prais-
ing God. Upon entering, they stood trans-
fixed before the wonderful scene. They saw
the sick healed, the blind restored to sight,
the deaf receive their hearing, and the
crippled leap for
joy."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 592.
6.
How did the rulers react to the
children's proclaiming Jesus as the
Son of David? Matt. 21:15, 16.
NOTE.—"The sound of these happy, un-
restrained voices was an offense to the
rulers of the temple. They set about put-
ting a stop to such demonstrations. They
represented to the people that the house of
God was desecrated by the feet of the
children and the shouts of rejoicing. Find-
ing that their words made no impression
on the people, the rulers appealed to
Christ: 'Hearest Thou what these say?'
. . . Prophecy had foretold that Christ
should be proclaimed as king, and that
word must be fulfilled. The priests and
rulers of Israel refused to herald His glory,
and God moved upon the children to be
His witnesses. Had the voices of the chil-
dren been silent, the very pillars of the
temple would have sounded the Saviour's
praise."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 592,
593.
"Those Wicked Men"
7.
How did Jesus portray the char-
acter of His enemies? Matt. 21:33-39.
8.
Caught up in the story, what
sentence did they pass upon them-
selves? Matt. 21:40, 41; Luke 20:16.
NOTE.—"Jesus addressed all the people
present; but the priests and rulers an-
swered. 'He will miserably destroy those
wicked men,' they said, 'and will let out
his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which
shall render him the fruits in their sea-
sons.' The speakers had not at first per-
ceived the application of the parable, but
they now saw that they had pronounced
their own condemnation. . . . Already they
were planning to slay Him whom the Fa-
ther had sent to them as a last appeal. In
the retribution inflicted upon the ungrate-
ful husbandmen was portrayed the doom of
those who should put Christ to death."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 596, 597.
( 34
9.
To what scripture did Jesus di-
rect the Jews, and what warning did
He utter? Luke 20:17, 18. Compare
Ps. 118:22, 23.
NotE.—"To those who believe, Christ is
the sure foundation. These are they who
fall upon the Rock and are broken. Sub-
mission to Christ and faith in Him are
here represented. To fall upon the Rock
and be broken is to give up our self-
righteousness, and to go to Christ with the
humility of a child, repenting of our trans-
gressions, and believing in His forgiving
love. And so also it is by faith and obedi-
ence that we build on Christ as our foun-
dation."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 599.
Plain Speaking
10.
On His last day of teaching in
the temple, what warning did Jesus
express? Matt. 23:1-4.
NOTE.—"It was the last day of Christ's
teaching in the temple. . . . Never before
had such a scene been witnessed. There
stood the young Galilean, bearing no
earthly honor or royal badge. Surround-
ing Him were priests in their rich apparel,
rulers with robes and badges significant of
their exalted station. . . . He had set before
these leaders their real condition. . . . The
warning had been faithfully given. . . .
"They [the people] marveled that the
rulers would not believe on Jesus, when
His teachings were so plain and simple.
They themselves knew not what course
to take..
"In the parables which Christ had
spoken, it was His purpose both to warn
the rulers and to instruct the people who
were willing to be taught. But there was
need to speak yet more plainly. Through
their reverence for tradition and their
blind faith in a corrupt priesthood, the
people were enslaved. These chains Christ
must break. The character of the priests,
rulers, and Pharisees must be more fully
exposed."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 610-
612.
11.
For what sin did Jesus call
down woes upon the leaders? Matt.
23:13-29.
12.
How poignantly did Jesus ex-
press His disappointment at Jeru-
salem's obstinacy? Matt. 23:37.
NOTE.—"Christ Himself did not suppress
one word of truth, but He spoke it always
in love. He exercised the greatest tact, and
thoughtful, kind attention in His inter-
course with the people. He was never rude,
never needlessly spoke a severe word,
never gave needless pain to a sensitive soul.
He did not censure human weakness. He
fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief,
and iniquity, but tears were in His voice
as He uttered His scathing rebukes."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
353.
The Betrayer
13.
How did Judas, on one occa-
sion, earn a gentle rebuke from Je-
sus? John 12:4-8.
NOTE.—"The divine and human were at
work in the character of Judas. Satan was
working the human, Christ the divine. The
Lord Jesus longed to see Judas rise to
his appointed privileges. But the human
side of Judas' character was confused with
his religious sentiments, and treated by
him as essential attributes. By taking this
view of things, he left an open door for
Satan to enter and take possession of the
entire man. If Judas had practiced the les-
sons of Christ, he would have surrendered
to Christ, he would have consecrated his
heart fully to God; but his confused ex-
perience was misleading him."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1101.
14.
What action of Judas led to
the final crisis? Luke 22:3-6.
[851
NOTE.—"He went to the priests and
offered 'to aid them in searching for Him
who was accounted the troubler of Israel.
Thus it was that the Lord was sold as a
slave, purchased by the temple money
used for the buying of the sacrifices."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1123.
"At the reproof from Jesus his very
spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded
pride and desire for revenge broke down
the barriers, and the greed so long in-
dulged held him in control. This will be
the experience of everyone who persists
in tampering with sin. The elements of
depravity that are not resisted and over-
come respond to Satan's temptation, and
the soul is led captive at his
will."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 720.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Can I tactfully rebuke wrong in
others because I love the sinner while
hating the sin, or does self become in-
volved?
2.
If Christ were to show me myself in
a parable, would I accept the rebuke, or
would I defend myself and condemn Him?
3.
Is Satan confusing me so that I may
be deceived into betraying my Saviour
and Friend?
Lesson 11, for March 15, 1969
Crisis of Crises
MEMORY VERSE: "0
My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me:
nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." Matt. 26:39.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 685-697 (chapter 74); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To appreciate more fully the supreme crisis through which Christ
passed in order to redeem the guilty race.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Ques. 1, 2; begin read-
ing study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 3-6.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7-9.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Ques. 10-13.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
0
Friday: Review.
0
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Cup
1.
Christ's prayer to be spared the
cup. Matt. 26:39.
2.
The iniquity of all men laid
upon Him. Isa. 53:6.
II. The Struggle
3. Three petitions for the removal
of the cup. Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
4.
Evidence of the severity of the
struggle. Luke 22:44.
5.
In his humanity Jesus prayed
with strong crying and tears.
Heb. 5:7.
6.
God was in Christ, reconciling
the world. 2 Cor. 5:19.
III. A Disappointment
7.
Jesus cakes three disciples with
Him. Matt. 26:36, 37.
8.
Jesus requests the disciples to
watch with Him. Matt. 26:38.
( 36 ]
9.
The disciples slept. Matt. 26:40,
43, 45.
IV. The Victory
10.
Christ accepted the Father's
will. Matt. 26:42, 44.
11.
An angel comforted Him.
Luke 22:43.
12.
Jesus' willingness to drink the cup.
John 18:11.
13.
Jesus tasted death for all men.
Heb. 2:9.
THE LESSON
Introduction
As the cup of sorrow trembled in the
hand of the Saviour, the salvation of the
human race hung in the balance. In this
crisis of decision Satan tried to make the
cup seem too bitter to be endured. He
pointed to the sleeping disciples, the be-
trayal by Judas, and the coming denial by
Peter as proof that the church on earth
was not worth saving. Motivated by His
great love for the lost, and buoyed up only
by faith in the promises of God, the
Saviour pressed on to the cross, where He
drained the cup of wrath against sin.
The Cup
1.
In the crisis of Gethsemane,
what was the burden of Jesus' prayer?
Matt. 26:39.
2.
Whose iniquities did God lay
upon Jesus? Isa. 53:6.
NOTE.—"He felt that by sin He was
being separated from His Father. . . . As
man He must suffer the consequences of
man's sin. As man He must endure the
wrath of God against transgression."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 686.
"The Garden of Eden with its foul blot
of disobedience, is to be carefully studied
and compared with the Garden of Geth-
semane, where the world's Redeemer suf-
fered superhuman agony when the sins of
the whole world were rolled upon Him.
. . . Adam did not stop to calculate the
result of his disobedience."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol.
5, p. 1103.
"The awful moment had come—that
moment which was to decide the destiny
of the world. The fate of humanity
trembled in the balance. Christ might even
now refuse to drink the cup apportioned
to guilty
man."—The Desire of Ages,
page
690.
The Struggle
3.
How many times did Jesus ask
to be spared the cup? Matt. 26:39,
42, 44.
Nom.—"Three times has He uttered that
prayer. Three times has humanity shrunk
from the last, crowning sacrifice."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 690.
4.
With what earnestness did Christ
pray? Luke 22:44.
5.
How did the author of Hebrews
characterize the prayers of Jesus?
Heb. 5:7.
NOTE.—"Doing this with strong cryings
and tears to the One who was able to be
saving Him out from within death
[i.e.,
to
raise Him out from the state of death]."
Heb.
5:7,
Wuest.
The Greek makes it clear that Jesus did
not pray to be saved from dying, but
"from the grave." See also The New
English Bible.
"As Christ felt His unity with the Fa-
ther broken up, He feared that in His
human nature He would be unable to
endure the coming conflict with the powers
of darkness. . . . With the issues of the
[ 37 ]
conflict before Him, Christ's soul was filled
with dread of separation from God. Satan
told Him that if He became the surety
for a sinful world, the separation would
be eternal. He would be identified with
Satan's kingdom, and would nevermore be
one with God."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
686, 687.
6.
How closely were the Father and
the Son associated in the work of
reconciliation? 2 Cor. 5:19.
NOTE.—"The power that inflicted retrib-
utive justice upon man's substitute and
surety, was the power that sustained and
upheld the suffering One under the tre-
mendous weight of wrath that would have
fallen upon a sinful world. Christ was
suffering the death that was pronounced
upon the transgressors of God's law."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Commen-
tary, Vol. 5,
p. 1103.
"But God suffered with His Son. Angels
beheld the Saviour's agony. They saw
their Lord enclosed by legions of Satanic
forces, His nature weighed down with a
shuddering, mysterious dread. There was
silence in heaven. No harp was touched.
Could mortals have viewed the amaze-
ment of the angelic host as in silent grief
they watched the Father separating His
beams of light, love, and glory from His
beloved Son, they would better under-
stand how offensive in His sight is sin."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 693.
A Disappointment
7.
Whom had Jesus taken with
Him as He sought the secluded place
for prayer? Matt. 26:36, 37.
NOTE.—"The human heart longs for
sympathy in suffering. This longing Christ
felt to the very depths of His being. . . .
The One who had always had words of
sympathy for them was now suffering
superhuman agony, and He longed to know
that they were praying for Him and for
themselves. How dark seemed the malig-
nity of sin! Terrible was the temptation
to let the human race bear the consequences
of its own guilt, while He stood innocent
before God. If He could only know that
His disciples understood and appreciated
this, He would be strengthened."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 687, 688.
8.
What special request had Jesus
made of Peter, James, and John?
Matt. 26:38.
NOTE.—"With Peter, James, and John,
He entered its [the garden's] secluded
recesses. These three disciples were Christ's
closest companions. They had beheld His
glory on the mount of transfiguration; they
had seen Moses and Elijah talking with
Him; they heard the voice from heaven;
now in His great struggle, Christ desired
their presence near Him. Often they had
passed the night with Him in this re-
treat. On these occasions, after a season of
watching and prayer, they would sleep
undisturbed . . . until He awoke them in
the morning to go forth anew to labor.
But now He desired them to spend the
night with Him in prayer. Yet He could
not bear that even they should witness
the agony He was to endure.
" 'Tarry ye here,' He said, 'and watch
with Me.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 686.
9.
Instead of complying with Je-
sus' request, what were the disciples
doing? Matt. 26:40, 43, 45.
NOTE.—"Rising with painful effort, He
staggered to the place where He had left
His companions. . . . Had they been seek-
ing refuge in God, that Satanic agencies
might not prevail over them, He would
have been comforted by their steadfast
faith. . . . They did not intend to forsake
their Lord, but they seemed paralyzed by
stupor which they might have shaken off if
they had continued pleading with God."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 688.
"In these sleeping disciples He sees a
representation of a sleeping church. When
they should be watching, they are asleep."
—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible
Commentary, Vol.
5, p. 1104.
[
38]
The Victory
10.
With what words of resigna-
tion did Christ close His prayers?
Matt. 26:42, 44.
NOTE.—"In the Garden of Gethsemane
Christ suffered in man's stead, and the
human nature of the Son of God stag-
gered under the terrible horror of the guilt
of sin, until from His pale and quivering
lips was forced the agonizing cry, '0 My
Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass
from Me:' but if there is no other way
by which the salvation of fallen man may
be accomplished, then 'not as I will, but as
Thou wilt!"—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1103.
"Christ might even now refuse to drink
the cup apportioned to guilty man. It was
not yet too late. He might wipe the bloody
sweat from His brow, and leave man to
perish in his iniquity. . . .
"But now the history of the human race
comes up before the world's Redeemer. He
sees that the transgressors of the law, if
left to themselves, must perish. He sees
the helplessness of man. He sees the power
of sin. The woes and lamentations of a
doomed world rise before Him. He be-
holds its impending fate, and His decision
is made. He will save man at any cost to
Himself. . . . He will become the pro-
pitiation of a race that has willed to sin."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 690-693.
11.
While the disciples slept, who
came to comfort the Saviour? Luke
22:43.
NoTE.—"The worlds unfallen and the
heavenly angels had watched with intense
interest as the conflict drew to its close.
. Angels had longed to bring relief to the
divine sufferer, but this might not be. No
way of escape was found for the Son of
God. In this awful crisis, when everything
was at stake, . . . the heavens opened, a
light shone forth amid the stormy dark-
ness of the crisis hour, and the mighty
angel who stands in God's presence, oc-
cupying the position from which Satan
fell, came to the side of Christ."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 693.
"The sleeping disciples had been sud-
denly awakened by the light surrounding
the Saviour. They saw the angel bending
over their prostrate Master. They saw him
lift the Saviour's head upon his bosom and
point toward heaven. They heard his voice,
like sweetest music, speaking words of
comfort and hope."—Ibid., p. 694.
12.
How did Jesus reveal His will-
ingness to drink the cup? John 18:11.
NOTE.—"The angel came not to take the
cup from Christ's hand, but to strengthen
Him to drink it, with the assurance of the
Father's love. . . . He told Him that He
would see of the travail of His soul, and
be satisfied, for He would see a multitude
of the human race saved, eternally
saved....
"The storm had in no wise abated, but
He who was its object was strengthened
to meet its fury. He came forth calm and
serene. A heavenly peace rested upon His
bloodstained
face."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 693, 694.
13.
For how many did Jesus taste
death? Heb. 2:9.
NOTE.—"He had borne that which no
human being could ever bear; for He had
tasted the sufferings of death for every
man."—The Desire of Ages,
page 694.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I still carelessly adding to the
bitterness of that cup by failing to accept
the victory over sin won for me by my
Saviour?
2.
Like the disciples, am I sleeping in a
crisis hour when my Saviour has bidden
me, "Watch and pray"?
3.
Would a "thoughtful hour each day in
contemplation of the life of Christ" hasten
the day when the Saviour can claim me
as His own? (See
The Desire of Ages,
page
83.)
[ 39 ]
Lesson 12, for March 22, 1969
"Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"
MEMORY VERSE:
"Surely He hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet
we did esteem Him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." Isa. 53:4.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 741-764 (chapters 78, 79); "Testi-
monies," Vol. 2, pp. 207-215; "SDA Bible Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To understand something of the terrible feeling Jesus experienced,
of being forsaken by God because of our sins.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 11-13; read
Sunday: Ques. 1-4.
❑
further from study helps.
Monday: Ques. 5, 6; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 7-10.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Foreshadowing of the Cross
1.
Jesus engaged in His Father's
business. Luke 2:42, 48, 49.
2.
Prophetic details of Jesus' life
and work. Luke 24:25-27.
3.
Jesus' prediction of His coming
death. Matt. 16:21; Mark 9:31.
4.
The disciples misunderstood the
nature of Christ's kingdom.
Luke
22:24.
II. Communion With the Father
5.
The Father at work in Christ.
John 14:10.
6.
Christ's confidence in the Father.
John 11:41, 42 (first part).
III. They All Forsook Him
7.
When Jesus was arrested the
disciples fled. Mar. 14:50.
8.
Jesus' confidence in the Father's
presence. John 16:32.
IV. "Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"
9.
Jesus' feeling of separation from
the Father. Matt. 27:46.
10.
Jesus made the sin offering for us.
2 Cor. 5:21.
11.
Jesus and the Father are one.
John 10:30.
12.
The Saviour suffered for us.
Isa. 53:4, 5.
13.
Jesus' faith triumphs over doubt.
John 19:30; Luke 23:46.
THE LESSON
Introduction
of all sin. It is the final penalty of sin,
penalty not in the sense of a blow inflicted
" 'My God, My God, why hast Thou on the sinner by God, but in the sense
forsaken Me?' The logical, irresistible, ir-
of a result following upon sin, from which
revocable issue of sin is to be God-for-
God Himself cannot save the sinner. Sin
saken. Sin in its genesis was rebellion
is alienation from God by choice. Hell is
against God. Sin in its harvest is to be
the utter realization of that chosen aliena-
God-abandoned. Man sinned when he de-
tion. Sin therefore at last is the con-
throned God and enthroned himself. He
sciousness of the lack of God, and that
reaps the utter harvest of his sin when he
God-forsaken condition is the penalty of
has lost God altogether. That is the issue
the sin which forsakes God. . . . No
f40
]
other human being has ever been God-
forsaken in this life. .
. On that cross
He was made sin, and therein He passed
to the uttermost limit of sin's outworking.
He was God-forsaken."—G. Campbell Mor-
gan,
The Crises of the Christ,
pages 297-
299.
The Foreshadowing of the Cross
1.
At the age of twelve, what did
He tell His parents of His relation-
ship to the Father? Luke 2:42, 48, 49.
NOTE.—"For the first time the Child
Jesus looked upon the temple. He saw the
white-robed priests performing their solemn
ministry. He beheld the bleeding victim
upon the altar of sacrifice. With the wor-
shipers He bowed in prayer, while the
cloud of incense ascended before God. He
witnessed the impressive rites of the pas-
chal service. Day by day He saw their
meaning more clearly. Every act seemed to
be bound up with His own life. . . . The
mystery of His mission was opening to the
Saviour."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 78.
2.
Concerning whom had Moses
and the prophets written? Luke 24:
25-27.
3.
How did Christ describe His
coming sacrifice? Matt. 16:21; Mark
9:31.
NOTE.—"Before His crucifixion the Sav-
iour explained to His disciples that He was
to be put to death and to rise again from
the tomb. . . . But the disciples were
looking for temporal deliverance from the
Roman yoke, and they could not tolerate
the thought that He in whom all their
hopes centered should suffer an ignominious
death. . . . The death of Jesus as fully
destroyed their hopes as if He had not
forewarned them. So in the prophecies the
future is opened before us as plainly as
it was opened to the disciples by the words
of Christ. The events connected with the
close of probation and the work of prepara-
tion for the time of trouble, are clearly
presented. But multitudes have no more
understanding of these important truths
than if they had never been revealed.
Satan watches to catch away every im-
pression that would make them wise unto
salvation, and the time of trouble will find
them unready."—The
Great Controversy,
page 594.
4.
As Jesus approached the final
crisis, what strife took place among
the disciples? Luke 22:24.
NOTE.—"There was 'a strife among them,
which of them should be accounted the
greatest.' This contention, carried on in
the presence of Christ, grieved and wounded
Him. The disciples clung to their favorite
idea that Christ would assert His power,
and take His position on the throne of
David. And in heart each still longed for
the highest place in the kingdom."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 643, 644.
Communion With the Father
5.
How closely had Jesus been
united with the Father during His
work on earth? John 14:10.
6.
What faith did Jesus express in
His 'heavenly Father? John 11:41, 42
(first part).
NOTE.—"In all that He did, Christ was
cooperating with His Father. Ever He
had been careful to make it evident that
He did not work independently; it was
by faith and prayer that He wrought His
miracles. Christ desired all to know His
relationship with His Father. . . . They
were to be shown that Christ's claim was
not a deception."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 536.
[ 41
They All Forsook Him
7.
When Jesus was arrested, what
did the disciples do? Mark 14:50.
NOTE.—"The disciples were terrified as
they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken
and bound. They were offended that He
should suffer this humiliation to Himself
( and them. They could not understand His
conduct, and they blamed Him for sub-
mitting to the mob. In their indignation
and fear, Peter proposed that they save
themselves. Following this suggestion, 'they
all forsook Him, and fled.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
page 697.
8.
When Jesus foretold His aban-
donment by the disciples, what con-
fidence did He express? John 16:32.
NOTE.—"He must turn aside from a life
of ceaseless activity and contact with hu-
man needs, to seek retirement and un-
broken communion with His Father. . . .
In communion with God He could un-
burden the sorrows that were crushing
Him....
"Through continual communion He re-
ceived life from God, that He might impart
life to the world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 363.
"Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?"
9.
What cry came from Jesus' lips
as He hung upon the cross? Matt.
27:46.
NOTE.—"Even doubts assailed the dying
Son of God. He could not see through the
portals of the tomb. Bright hope did not
present to Him His coming forth from the
tomb a conqueror and His Father's ac-
ceptance of His sacrifice. . . . The dis-
pleasure of the Father for sin, and its
penalty, which is death, were all that He
could realize through this amazing dark-
ness. . . . The fierce temptation that His
own Father had forever left Him, caused
that piercing cry from the cross: 'My God,
My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?'
"Christ felt much as sinners will feel
when the vials of God's wrath shall be
poured out upon them. Black despair, like
the pall of death, will gather about their
guilty souls, and then they will realize
to the fullest extent the sinfulness of
sin. ...
"Faith and hope trembled in the ex-
piring agonies of Christ because God had
removed the assurance He had heretofore
given His beloved Son of His approbation
and acceptance. . . . In His dying agony,
as He yields up His precious life, He has
by faith alone to trust in Him whom it
has ever been His joy to
obey."—Testi-
monies, Vol.
2, pp. 209, 210.
"He had not one ray of light to brighten
the future. And He was struggling with the
power of Satan, who was declaring that
he had Christ in his power, that he was
superior in strength to the Son of God,
that the Father had disowned His Son,
and that He was no longer in the favor of
God any more than himself."—/bid., p.
214.
10.
In carrying out the plan of
salvation, what had Jesus become for
us? 2 Cor. 5:21.
NOTE.—"Upon Christ as our substitute
and surety was laid the iniquity of us all.
He was counted a transgressor, that He
might redeem us from the condemnation
of the law. The guilt of every descendant
of Adam was pressing upon His heart. The
wrath of God against sin, the terrible mani-
festation of His displeasure because of
iniquity, filled the soul of His Son with
consternation. . . . The withdrawal of the
divine countenance from the Saviour in
this hour of supreme anguish pierced His
heart with a sorrow that can never be
fully understood by man. So great was
this agony that His physical pain was
hardly felt."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
753.
[ 42
11.
What unity did Jesus declare
existed between Him and the Father?
John 10:30.
NOTE.—"God Himself was crucified with
Christ; for Christ was one with the Fa-
ther."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 5, p. 1108.
"In that thick darkness God's presence
was hidden. He makes darkness His pa-
vilion, and conceals His glory from human
eyes. God and His holy angels were beside
the cross. The Father was with His Son.
Yet His presence was not revealed. . . .
And in that dreadful hour Christ was not
to be comforted with the Father's pres-
ence. He trod the winepress alone, and of
the people there was none with Him."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 753, 754.
12.
In what words does Isaiah show
that it was our sins that brought such
suffering to the Saviour? Isa. 53:4, 5.
NorE.—"And all that He endured—the
blood drops that flowed from His head,
His hands, His feet, the agony that racked
His frame, and the unutterable anguish that
filled His soul at the hiding of His Fa-
ther's face—speaks to each child of hu-
manity, declaring, It is for thee that the
Son of God consents to bear this burden
of guilt; for thee He spoils the domain of
death, and opens the gates of Paradise."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 755.
13.
In His parting breath, what
did Jesus exclaim? John 19:30; Luke
23:46.
NOTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting breath
He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John 19:30.
The battle had been won. His right hand
and His holy arm had gotten Him the
victory. As a conqueror He planted His
banner on the eternal heights. Was there
not joy among the angels? All heaven tri-
umphed in the Saviour's victory. Satan
was defeated, and knew that his kingdom
was
lost."—The Desire of Ages,
page 758.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Christ suffered to save me from being
forsaken by God because of sin. Am I
doing my part to accept the gift He offers?
2.
Is concern for status preventing me
from heeding the warnings that foretell
the close of this world's history?
3.
Do I remember to thank my Lord
daily for His great sacrifice?
Lesson 13, for March 29, 1969
The Sacrifice Accepted
MEMORY VERSE:
"Thou art My Son, this day have I begotten Thee. . . . And let
all the angels of God worship Him." Heb. 1:5, 6.
STUDY HELPS:
"The
Desire of Ages," pages 769-794, 829-835 (chapters 80, 81,
82, 87); "The Great Controversy," pages 635-652 (chapter 40); "SDA Bible
Commentary."
STUDY AIM:
To accept Christ's sacrifice for me, and to awaken a greater sense
of gratitude for Christ's victory in my behalf.
[43
]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Wednesday: Ques. 12, 13; read
Sunday: Ques. 1-5.
❑
further from study helps.
❑
Monday: Ques. 6, 7; begin read-
Thursday: Finish reading study
ing study helps.
❑
helps.
❑
Tuesday: Ques. 8-11.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Stone Rolled Back
1.
The tomb sealed and guarded.
Matt. 27:65, 66.
2.
The angel of the Lord rolls back
the stone. Matt. 28:2.
3.
The angel's announcement to
the women. Matt. 28:5-7.
4.
Christ had made a cleansing of
sin. Heb. 1:3.
5.
On this day Christ was "begotten"
from the grave. Acts 13:32, 33.
II. Detain Me Not
6.
Jesus revealed Himself to
Mary Magdalene. Mark 16:9;
John 20:1, 14-16.
7.
Jesus warns Mary not to detain
Him. John 20:17.
III. The Wave Sheaf
8.
The wave sheaf offered on day
after Passover. Lev. 23:11.
9.
Angels sang the triumph of the
Redeemer as He neared heaven.
Ps. 24:7-10.
IV. The Acceptance
10.
The Saviour seated at the right
hand of God. Eph. 1:20.
11.
The Father commands the angels
to worship Christ. Heb. 1:5, 6.
V. The Full Harvest
12.
An innumerable company of the
saved. Rev. 7:9.
13.
A united universe sings the
praises of God and the Lamb.
Rev. 5:11-13.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The final crises in the earthly experience
of Jesus Christ were of the utmost im-
portance to us. He had been numbered
among the transgressors and made a sin
offering for our sakes, but Christ had died
without having sinned and could not be
held by the grave. At the Father's call
Jesus rose to life that was in Himself.
This call was entrusted to the messenger
who fills the position from which Satan
fell. (See
The Desire of Ages,
page 780.)
After lingering awhile to comfort Mary
Magdalene and, through her, the disciples,
the Saviour hastened to heaven with the
wave sheaf. He refused the homage and
worship of the unfallen hosts until His
sacrifice was accepted by the Father. When
this joyful formality was completed, He
was introduced to the heavenly hosts as
the First-begotten from the tomb. The
last crisis was ended. The Redeemer then
returned to earth to work with His doubt-
ing disciples for another forty days.
The Stone Rolled Back
1. What had been done to prevent
Jesus from leaving the tomb? Matt.
27:65, 66.
NOTE.
-"The
night of the first day of
the week had worn slowly away. . . .
Christ was still a prisoner in His narrow
tomb. The great stone was in its place ; the
44
Roman seal was unbroken; the Roman
guards were keeping their watch. And
there were unseen watchers. Hosts of evil
angels were gathered about the place. Had
it been possible, the prince of darkness
with his apostate army would have kept
forever sealed the tomb that held the Son
of God. But a heavenly host surrounded
the sepulcher. Angels that excel in strength
were guarding the tomb, and waiting to
welcome the Prince of life."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 779.
2.
How was the sealed tomb
opened? Matt. 28:2.
3.
What did the angel tell the
women who came to the sepulcher?
Matt. 28:5-7.
NOTE.—"When the voice of the mighty
angel was heard at Christ's tomb, saying,
Thy Father calls Thee, the Saviour came
forth from the grave by the life that was
in Himself. . .
"Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph Christ
had proclaimed in triumph, 'I am the res-
urrection and the life.' These words could
be spoken only by the Deity."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 785.
4.
Before being seated at the right
hand of God, what had Jesus done
with our sins? Heb. 1:3.
NOTE.—It was by His own efforts that
Christ made a cleansing of sin. He died in
place of sinners, separated from God by be-
ing made guilty of the sins of the whole
world. Now the God-man was called to
rise in the purity and perfection of His
Deity and His sinless humanity.
5.
What prophecy does Paul say
was fulfilled when God called Christ
from the grave? Acts 13:32, 33. Com-
pare Ps. 2:7; Rom. 1:4.
NOTE.—"By inspiration Paul applies the
words of this psalm to Christ as the King
of Israel and as God's Son in a unique
sense, and to His resurrection. . . . Chris-
tian believers made the resurrection the
foundation of their belief in Christ's Son-
ship. Christ was 'the First-begotten of the
dead' (Rev. 1:5), and the resurrection is
understood as confirming to Him the title
`Son of
God.'"—SDA Bible Commentary,
on Acts 13:33.
Detain Me Not
6.
After the resurrection, to whom
did Jesus first reveal Himself? Mark
16:9; John 20:1, 14-16.
NOTE.—"But now in His own familiar
voice Jesus said to her, 'Mary.' . . . In
her joy she forgot that He had been
crucified. Springing toward Him, as if to
embrace His feet, she said, `Rabboni.'
"—
The Desire of Ages,
page 790.
7.
Why did Jesus forbid Mary to
touch Him? John 20:17.
NOTE.—The Greek phrase translated
"Touch Me not" may be rendered "Do not
cling to Me." The Revised Standard Ver-
sion says "Do not hold Me," and Ellen G.
White writes, "Detain Me not."
"But Christ raised His hand, saying,
Detain Me not; 'for I am not yet ascended
to My Father; but go to My brethren, and
say unto them, I ascend unto My Father,
and your Father; and to My God, and
your God.' And Mary went her way to the
disciples with the joyful message.
"Jesus refused to receive the homage of
His people until He had the assurance that
His sacrifice was accepted by the Father.
He ascended to the heavenly courts, and
from God Himself heard the assurance that
His atonement for the sins of men had
been ample, that through His blood all
might gain eternal life. The Father ratified
the covenant made with Christ, that He
would receive repentant and obedient men,
and would love them even as He loves His
Son."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 790.
[ 45 ]
The Wave Sheaf
8.
What symbolic service took
place on the day after the Passover
Sabbath? Lev. 23:11.
NOTE.—"Christ arose from the dead as
the first fruits of those that slept. He was
the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His
resurrection took place on the very day
when the wave sheaf was to be presented
before the Lord. . . .
"During His ministry, Jesus had raised
the dead to life. . . . But these were not
clothed with immortality. After they were
raised, they were still subject to death.
But those who came forth from the grave
at Christ's resurrection were raised to
everlasting life. They ascended with Him
as trophies of His victory over death and
the grave."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages
785, 786.
9.
What dialogue does the psalmist
record? Ps. 24:7-10.
NOTE.—"All heaven was waiting to wel-
come the Saviour to the celestial courts. As
He ascended, He led the way, and the
multitude of captives set free at His resur-
rection followed. . . .
"As they draw near to the City of God,
the challenge is given by the escorting an-
gels,—`Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates.' . . .
"Joyfully the waiting sentinels respond,
—'Who is this King of Glory?' . . .
"The escorting angels make reply,—`The
Lord of hosts; He is the King of Glory !' "
The Desire of Ages,
page 833.
The Acceptance
10.
How is Christ's position with
respect to His Father since the resur-
rection described? Eph. 1:20.
NOTE.—"He enters into the presence of
His Father. He points to His wounded
head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He
lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails.
He points to the tokens of His triumph;
He presents to God the wave sheaf, those
raised with Him as representatives of that
great multitude who shall come forth from
the grave at His second coming. . .. Before
the foundations of the earth were laid, the
Father and Son had united in a covenant
to redeem man if he should be overcome
by Satan. . . . This pledge Christ has ful-
filled."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 834.
11.
What were the angels com-
manded to do? Heb. 1:5, 6.
NOTE.—"The voice of God is heard pro-
claiming that justice is satisfied. Satan is
vanquished. Christ's toiling, struggling ones
on earth are 'accepted in the Beloved.' . . .
The Father's arms encircle His Son, and
the word is given, 'Let all the angels of
God worship Him.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 834.
The Full Harvest
12.
What scene did the revelator
see displayed before the throne of
God? Rev. 7:9.
NorE.—"The Saviour's joy is in seeing,
in the kingdom of glory, the souls that
have been saved by His agony and humili-
ation."—The
Great Controversy,
page 647.
13.
What chorus of praise to God
and to the Lamb did the revelator
hear? Rev. 5:11-13.
Questions for Personal Meditation
1.
Am I denying Christ the pleasure of
seeing me become more and more like
Him every day ?
2.
Have I allowed the power that raised
Jesus from the dead to come into my life
and cause me to be reborn—changed from
sinner to saint? (See Rom. 8:11.)
3.
Am I practicing the song of praise for
my Saviour?
[46
1
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 29, 1969
Trans-Africa Division
Beautiful for situation is the location of Kendu Hospital, on the shores
of Lake Victoria near the town of Kendu Bay in Western Kenya, East
Africa. But when we look at this mission hospital, the beauty ends with
the situation. The buildings are about thirty years old and are in poor
condition—in fact, so poor that is is almost impossible to repair them.
Inside the wards space is so limited that beds are placed only a foot or
a foot and a half apart. In an average year 5,600 inpatients and 45,000
outpatients are treated.
The Christian influence of Kendu Hospital is far-reaching. Patients
come from hundreds of miles even though travel is slow and difficult. The
closest government hospital is twenty-five miles away, and patients often
pass it by in order to come to Kendu.
Kendu must prepare to educate young people as fully qualified regis-
tered nurses to go out and teach health education to their own people
as well as to be able to work in our own hospitals and others. The
government is imposing new requirements in order that nurses be better
trained. Don't you want to have a part in replacing the run-down
buildings of Kendu with a modern plant and modern medical facilities so
that it can care for the sick as well as train young people in the medical
arts? Remember Kendu Hospital on March 29.
ti
SPECIAL NOTICE:
As a supplement to the study of the lessons
for the second quarter may we suggest Elder Harry W. Lowe's
new book
Redeeming Grace.
It is available at your Book
and Bible House for $1.95. Teacher and student alike will
appreciate this comprehensive aid. Pacific Press Publishing
Association.
Lessons for the Second Quarter, 1969
Sabbath School members who have not received a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
the second quarter of 1969 will be helped by the following outline in studying the
first lesson. The title of the series is "Redeeming Grace." The title of the first
lesson is "Redemptive Activity of the Godhead." The memory verse is Ephesians
1:4. The texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Prov. 8:1, 22, 23.
Ques.
7. The Ministry of Healing,
Ques. 2. John 1:1-3, 14; 17:5, 24.
page 161.
Ques. 3. Rev. 13:8; Eph. 1:3, 4;
Ques. 8. Gen. 3:2, 6, 15.
1 Peter 1:18-20.
Ques. 9. Rom. 3:23-25.
Ques. 4. 2 Tim. 1:9.
Ques. 10. 1 Tim. 2:4, 6; Titus 2:11.
Ques. 5. John 1:14, 17.
Ques. 11. 2 Peter 3:9.
Ques. 6. Rom. 3:24.
Ques. 12. John 6:44, 45; 1 Cor. 15:10.
47 ]
PROJECT:
Remodeling and enlarging Kendu Hos-
pital, Kenya, Africa.
CONGO
a
ANZA IA
tt
1
ii
O
0
I
as
REPUBLIC =-
1
OF SOUTH AFRICA
SOTHO
bi
'Z-
et
4
Erauto - Arica 9)iviaion
Unions
Population
Churches
Church
Members
Sab. Sch.
Members
Central African U.
5,500,000
427
76,956
165,938
Congo U.
16,400,000
144
18,181
47,358
East African U.
17,314,915
357
65,445
115,838
South African U.
C.
6,211,371
136
11,735
13,818
South-East Africa
U.
4,042,412
152
26,394
27,451
Southern U.
14,979,000
147
9,481
14,439
Tanzania U.
9,800,000
120
20,217
32,581
Zambesi U.
7,511,900
298.
45,493
86,448
Totals
81,759,598
1,781
273,902
503,871
